A Hospitaller Order
When the sick will come, carry him to bed, and then, as if the Lord was welcomed, offer him the best the house can give
It is by that very belief, written as part of the code of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta over nine centuries ago, that the Order of Malta still lives, to this day. The purpose behind the Orders foundation as a hospitaller Order by Blessed Gerard in Jerusalem “Tuitio Fidei” (witness to the faith) and “Obsequium Pauperum” (service to the suffering) remains its driving force today.
That principle remains at the heart of the Order and is expressed through the humanitarian works carried out in 120 countries by its 13,500 members, 42,000 qualified staff and 80,000 permanent volunteers around the world, to serve those whom life did not favor, regardless of their origins.
Aid for the victims of natural catastrophes and armed conflicts has intensified in recent decades. Through its national Associations, volunteer corps and worldwide relief agency, Malteser International, the Order of Malta provides emergency medical and humanitarian aid and works with the affected populations to implement reconstruction and disaster preparedness programs.
A Sovereign Order
The Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law. Based in Rome, it has its own constitution, government, an independent magistracy, diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and is granted the status of Permanent Observer in many international organizations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.
The Order issues its own passports and stamps. It has the authority to create public institutions, endowed with independent juridical entities. And up until the creation of the Euro, the Order used to mint its own currency.
A Religious Order
The Order of Malta is a lay religious order of the Catholic Church, you can read more about it in the Spirituality section.
