Apr 2020
His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master of The Sovereign Military Order of Saint John
Announcement
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (SMOM), founded in Jerusalem nearly 1,000 years ago to provide medical aid for pilgrims in the Holy Land, and one of the Trust's founding orders, was led by His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master, Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto.
Fra' Giacomo, born in 1944 in Rome, had been a member of the Sovereign Order since 1985, and became the 80th Grand Master on 2 May 2018.
Very sadly, Fra' Giacomo had been ill for several months and OSJCT have been advised that he died in the early hours of this morning. We will be praying for his family, and his colleagues at SMOM during this very sad time.
After a message reached him of the loving care and dedication our teams have been providing to residents, Fra' Giacomo very kindly wrote to all OSJCT colleagues last week, on 23 April, to share his personal thanks and admiration, and that of the Order, for the amazing work that is being undertaken during this incredibly difficult time.
This very poignant message was sent to all teams and colleagues around the Trust on 29 April and the content is available below.
Dated 23rd April 2020:
"Dear Friends,
I am writing to express my admiration and gratitude to you all on behalf of the Order of Malta for your wonderful work in caring for your residents at this very difficult time. I have heard of your extraordinary commitment, courage and devotion. In showing these qualities of love and service for the most vulnerable you are putting into practice the values of the founders of our Order, and we salute you.
Two years ago I visited two OSJCT care homes where I saw how they are clearly places of love, care and joy for the people who depend on you. The whole Order is proud of you. You are giving comfort, safety, peace and affection to people who are at the end of life's journey. This is one of the most important jobs you can do. Thank you all.
I assure you of constant remembrance in my prayers.
Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre"