Ceremony of Admission for New Members to the Sovereign Order of Malta
The Sovereign Order of Malta hosted a solemn ceremony for the admission of new members on October 13, 2024, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Vilnius. This date holds special significance as it commemorates Blessed Gerard, the founder and first Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The ceremony began with a Holy Mass led by H.E. Apostolic Nuncio to the Baltic States, Archbishop Dr. Georg Gänswein, accompanied by H.E. Bishop Darius Trijonis, Coadjutor of the Diocese of Šiauliai. Solemn Holy Mass underscored the Order’s commitment to its spiritual mission, honoring its religious roots and dedication to humanitarian service.
The event was graced by many distinguished guests, including H.E. Dr. Constantin von Brandenstein, Baroness Adelheid von Gemmingen, representatives of the German Association of the Order of Malta, Frà Gottfried, representative of the Grandpriory of Austria of the Order of Malta; Douglas Graf von Saurma-Jeltsch, President of “Malteser International “Europe, H.E. Dr. Christoph Graf von Calice, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Lithuania; H.E. Mag. Manfred Mautner von Markhof, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Estonia (former Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Lithuania), foreign Ambassadors, representatives of the Order’s Associations and Relief Organisations from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and leadership and members of the Order of Malta Relief Organisation in Lithuania.
Six new members from Lithuania and Estonia were admitted to the Baltic Delegation of the German Order of Malta Association during the ceremony. All these individuals have been actively involved in the Order’s activities in Lithuania and Estonia.
The Sovereign Order of Malta began its involvement in Lithuania in 1989, initially providing humanitarian aid, and later founded the Order of Malta Relief Organisation in Lithuania in 1991. Diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Sovereign Order of Malta were established in 1993. Today, the Order of Malta Relief Organisation in Lithuania operates with around 1,500 volunteers in 44 local communities, offering invaluable support to those in need.
As one of the oldest institutions in Western and Christian civilization, the Sovereign Order of Malta—a lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113—continues its dedication to helping those in need across 120 countries. With a network that spans diplomatic relations with over 100 states, permanent observer status at the United Nations, and an unwavering commitment to neutrality and impartiality.
The Order of Malta operates through 11 Priories, 48 national Associations, 133 diplomatic missions, 1 worldwide relief agency and 33 national volunteer corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres and specialist foundations. It does not pursue any economic or political goal and does not depend on any other state or government.
Photographer — Alfredas Pliadi
