The Sovereign Military Order of Malta celebrated the feast day of the Order's patron saint, John the Baptist, with Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, last Sunday.
The ambassador of the Order, Umberto Di Capua, and his wife joined members of the Maltese Association of the Order led by its president, Alfred Caruana Galizia, and the Knight Resident at Fort St Angelo, Fra John Critien.
Later that evening, guests attended the Order's annual reception in the main hall of St John's Cavalier, Valletta.
Those present included President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Presidents Emeriti Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Guido de Marco as well as Archbishop Paul Cremona, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca and Apostolic Nuncio Tommaso Caputo.
Also present were MPs, ecclesiastical dignitaries, heads of diplomatic mission and consuls, and representatives from the local business community who lend their support to the philanthropic activities which the Order carries out in Malta.