Maltesers Day 2023: “Touched by the Lord and Embraced by Grace”
“Maltesers Day” brought together hundreds of Maltesers from all over Lithuania. On July 1st, over 200 members of the Maltesers community gathered at the “Aerodream” homestead in the village of Antakalnis, Trakai district. Distinguished guests from abroad also attended, including Constantin von Brandenstein-Zeppelin, the representative of the German Association of the Order of Malta; Krzysztof Edmund Wardawy, Interim Head of the Embassy of the Order of Malta in Lithuania; Marcin Swierad, Hospitalier of the Polish Association of the Order of Malta and President of the Maltesers in Poland, along with his wife Ilona and daughter; Robert Wyrashka, a member of the Polish Association of the Order of Malta; and Fr. Edgars Versocki from Estonia.
This year, 19 Maltesers, in the words of Chaplain Vytautas, were “Touched by the Lord and embraced by grace.” In a solemn ceremony, they pledged their commitment to the representative of the German Association of the Order of Malta, Mr. Constantin von Brandenstein-Zeppelin, to serve the Lord and fight against the various forms of poverty that afflict the world: sickness, grief, homelessness, hunger, heartlessness, guilt, indifference, and faithlessness, in accordance with the spirit of the Order. This commitment was marked by the presentation of Maltesers badges, pinned by K.E. Wardawy, the temporary head of the Order of Malta’s Relief Organization at the Embassy of the Order of Malta in Lithuania. The pledges were also blessed by Chaplain V. Rapalis. The Mass concluded with a Maltesers prayer, invoking the guidance of faith, gratitude, and divine assistance in helping those in need.
The annual evaluation is another significant tradition of Malteser Day. Numerous volunteers of the organization were awarded certificates of appreciation for their dedication to promoting Malteser values, their compassionate love for people, and their active participation in volunteering. The best among them, recognized for their outstanding merits and deeds, received special angel awards. The prestigious “Honorary Member” title was bestowed upon Dr. Stasys Gendvilis, who has been with the Maltesers since its inception in Lithuania, providing continuous support and contributing to its growth and activities.
Marcin Swierad, Hospitalier of the Polish Association and President of the Maltesers in Poland, expressed his appreciation for the close relations and cooperation between the organizations. He presented a medal to the President of the Maltesers, Bronius Einars, symbolizing the enduring friendship and the commitment to continue strengthening it. Additionally, he conveyed warm greetings from the Grand Hospitaller H.E. Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis to the entire Maltesers community.
These moments allowed us to pause and acknowledge the individuals who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to serving the poor in their daily endeavors. We share the same values and are honored to be part of this community. We are grateful to the Lord for this remarkable journey that has united us all so profoundly.
