H.E. the Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau presenting Ms Maroma Camilleri, Deputy Librarian of the National Library of Malta – where the original Deed of Donation of the Maltese Islands by Emperor Charles V to the Order is retained – with the Cross with Crown Pro Merito Melitensi in the presence of Ambassador Ruffo di Calabria and the President of the Maltese Association Daniel de Petri Testaferrata. A luncheon at the Ambassador’s residence followed the ceremony.

Ms Maroma Camilleri is the curator of the exhibition “In the Footsteps of the Hospitallers: 900 Years of Chivalry, Faith and Charity” that will be inaugurated on 1st December 2023 and will be open to visitors until 30th March 2024.

The exhibition explores the millennial history of the Hospital (later Order) of St John from its inception in Jerusalem in the mid-11th century until the present day in Rome, by means of maps, documents, printed works and objects d’art, mostly from the National Library collections. Following a chronological sequence, it is divided into six main sections featuring the various places where the Knights had their headquarters throughout their history. Their role as a lay religious order and their dual mission of defending the Catholic faith and serving the needy are also highlighted.

The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the late Ven. Bailiff Fra’ John Edward Critien, Grand Prior of Rome, on the first anniversary of his passing.