Posted on 04/26/2017 4:49:08 PM PDT by ebb tide
Leaders of the Knights of Malta have recommended that
Leaders of the Knights of Malta have recommended that members select an interim leader, as the date for the election of a new grand master approaches.
Archbishop Angelo Becciu, named by Pope Francis as a special delegate to supervise changes in the Knights of Malta, has summoned 15 top leaders of the Order to the Vatican a meeting on April 27. Underlining the importance of the session, Pope Francis is also expected to attend the meeting, which will take place on the eve of his trip to Egypt. The vote for a new grand master will be held on April 29.
Meanwhile Fra Matthew Festing, who resigned as grand master in January at the Pope’s request, has reportedly announced that he will travel to Rome to participate in the vote, this time rejecting a request from the Pontiff. Archbishop Becciu had written to Festing, telling him that the Pope did not want him to attend the election. The former grand master would be eligible as a candidate for re-election.
Earlier this week, the members of the Knights of Malta who are eligible to vote in the Saturday election received an email message from the group’s current leaders, suggesting that an interim leader should be elected, with a final election of a new grand master to follow only after changes have been made in the constitution of the Order.
In yet another indication of turmoil within the Order, the Catholic Herald of London published a leaked internal report finding that Malteser International, a charitable group affiliated with the Knights of Malta, had indeed been involved in the distribution of contraceptives. The report—which was widely circulated among members of the Order—found that the group’s chancellor, Albrecht von Boeselager, became aware of the distribution of contraceptives in 2013, but did not inform the leaders of the Order. The report also said that Malteser International had established its own principles on bioethical questions, which were “inconsistent with the Church’s teaching.”
In part because of the involvement with contraceptives, Boeselager was ousted from his post as chancellor by Festing. Pope Francis intervened to demand Festing’s resignation and restore Boeselager to his former position.
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He ebb. Sorry for misreading your intentions for a while there.
Again, my apologies.
I have to catch up on this battle because i am not familiar with all of the players.
Not really sure who the Knights are.
No problem, dp0622.
Dominus tecum.
>>The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.
Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.
It is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival.<<
Good Lord!
Didn’t know that.
Thanks.
I have the original charter document for a Knights of Malta chapter in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dated 1873. In its original frame. Document is roughly 22” X 34”.
Never even knew what the organization was until people started posting about it here on FreeRepublic!
I’m glad Fra Festing is standing up to the Pope’s bully boys.
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