The Malta Institute of Cultural Studies (MIOCS) has been formally launched as a privately owned institute to embark on a number of activities that include publishing, academia and other cultural activities. Among other targets, MIOCS also aims to renew and invigorate the interest in the Religious Military Orders commencing with a special interest in Hospitaller academia.
The publishing division of MIOCS with immediate effect will be publishing the second edition of the Journal of the Monastic Military Orders. The first edition was available earlier this year and has been widely acclaimed, both professionally and publicly, in Malta and abroad. Other publications are also in the pipeline for 2009.
Furthermore, through a heavy financial commitment MIOCS is putting its mission statement into active practice by encouraging hospitaller studies at tertiary level as well as planning further related cultural activities. MIOCS is seeking both, eventual economic self-sufficiency as well as to reward future stake holders, including charities to which it is intended to channel part of its profits. MIOCS’ guiding spirit sees to run quite parallel to that of hospitaller traditions.
MIOCS is the brainchild of Comm. Raymond Bugeja, a Maltese resident in Milan and Comm. Dr George Gregory Buttigieg. Comm Bugeja has co-founded the Fondazione Fra’ Roggero Caccia Dominioni with SMOM’s Grand Prior for Lombardy and Venice. This foundation operates a leprosy centre and a care centre for street children in Brazil.
“Comm Bugeja has vast experience in the world of high finance, being group chief financial officer of an international financial services centre that he co-founded and which is operative in eight cities worldwide, and therefore he is aptly poised to advise on charities,” explained Dr Buttigieg.
Dr Buttigieg, an obstetrics and gynecology practicing consultant and a University Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine is himself a Knight Grand Cross of Malta and Malta’s Plenipotentiary Ambassador to the Government of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Rome. He spoke about the role of the new Institute of Cultural Studies, an idea which has long festered in his sub-conscious mind.
“We intend to quickly proceed with a number of projects. We plan to be significantly present in philanthropy in its various forms. We want to contribute all we can to society, inspired by our devotion to God, our love for our country and our passion for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and its works.”