Process for beatification of Grand Master Andrew Bertie initiated
The late Grand Master Andrew Bertie with Pope Benedict.
The process for the beatification of the late Grand Master and Prince Fra' Andrew Willoughby Ninian Bertie is to begin in the coming months, the Grand Magistry of the Order of Malta said.
Fra' Andrew died in Rome on February 7, 2008 at the age of 78.
He was admitted in the Order of Malta in 1956 and was the 78th Grandmaster, the successor of Blessed Gerard Sasso. Fra' Andrew was the youngest son of the 7th Earl of Abingdon and both sides of his family had royal ties through the centuries.
Fra Andrew was educated at Ampleforth and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. He taught French and Spanish for 23 years at Worth School.
In April 1988, he was elected Grand Master of the Order of Malta by Fra' Angelo de Mojana di Cologna. He followed closely the official motto of the order, Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum, or "Defence of the Faith and Service of the Poor."
Several years ago, the Order of Malta was credited with having around 13,000 knights and dames, 80,000 volunteers (15,000 trained as doctors and nurses) and a presence in 200 hospitals.
The Order has an official presence in 120 countries.
Fra' James-Michael von Strobel has been charged with compiling a list of people in the United States who knew Fra' Andrew Bertie and would support the cause.
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Mary Mills
Aug 15th 2012, 12:14
Many countries have memorials to the Unknown Soldier. Why can't the RC church reserve a day in the year to the Unknown Saint?
There are many whom, unlike the above-mentioned Excellence, the world doesn't and will never know about!
Keith Cauchi
Aug 16th 2012, 08:50
Why can't the RC church reserve a day in the year to the Unknown Saint?" mmmm that's a tough one! Joking aside... ever heard of "All saints day"?
Paul Pulis
Aug 15th 2012, 10:27
A long time ago, I had the honour to meet Fra Andrew at San Anton Summer School where together we taught sports activities. Fra Andrew was a Black belt in Judo and taught this sport. A friend of mine who saw him coming in for the lesson asked me who this 'old man' was. Fra Andrew was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and sandles. He was carrying a wicker basket which contained his Judo Gi. His humble apperance totally hid his rank, knowledge and vast culture. During his lessons, he taught more than just technique. He would explain to the young students in simple terms from where the Japanese words originated and illustarte with examples. He was the epitome of geatness amd humility combined.
John Camillleri
Aug 14th 2012, 22:53
Before being elected as Grand Master, Fra Andrew used to live with his mother at Attard. Their house (palace) is still there, in Mosta Road, in the vicinity of the Parish Church. I remember him attending daily for the 6.45 am mass with extraordinary devotion. He indeed preached by his example.
D. A . Agius
Aug 14th 2012, 21:44
And what's the actual reason for initiating the beatification process? The above describes him as a Grand Master without qualifying why this beatification is being sought after.
Victor Rodenas
Aug 14th 2012, 21:19
Was there any Grand Master who was made a Saint?
Francesca Zammit
Aug 14th 2012, 22:34
There are two Blesseds. Their founder, Blessed Gerard who served the order from 1099 till 1020 and Blessed Raymond Du Puy who served as Grandmaster from 1120 till 1060.
anton borg
Aug 14th 2012, 23:39
None as yet. The Founder of the Order, Fra` Gerard was beatified and has the title of Blessed, as has a British Knight from the Tudor era, Adrian Fortescue.
Please choose the reason of your report below: