Ordo Sancti Lazari - Stlazarusmalta.org

Volume 5, Issue 3 August 2010
Inside this issue:
Commandery of Gozo 2
GM vision 2
News & Activities 2
Historical titbits 3
SRG-SLC events 4
Memorabilia items available 4
Lazarite Book Club 4
Senior Officers of the
Grand Priory
• Grand Prior:
Chev. Dr Joseph R. Pace
• Chancellor:
Chev. Michael Ciavola
• a/Sec. Gen:
Mr. Charles Cilia MVO, CLJ
• Commander of Gozo:
Chev Paul Banavage
Editor:
Chev. Prof. C. Savona-Ventura
Email:
Ordo Sancti Lazari
Newsletter: Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands
incorporating the Commandery of Gozo
saven@vol.net.mt
Unsigned articles are written
by the editor. Any relevant
news items or articles are
solicited. Kindly send material
in electronic format to the
editor.
In the footsteps of Saints & Martyrs
In May, a number of members of the Grand Priory joined the Grand
Master Don Carlos Gereda in a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. A
pilgrimage is defined as a journey to a shrine of primary importance to
one’s faith and beliefs. All the major religions have their own particular
pilgrim shrines. In Christianity, pilgrimage was originally made to sites
connected with the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, all
centring in the Holy Land. The first surviving account of a pilgrim’s
journey to Jerusalem dates to the year 333 AD; however the Holy Places
of Palestine have been visited by pilgrims since the early days of Christianity.
The earliest known Palestinian pilgrims were for the most part
devout souls, many of them clergy or members of religious orders. For
example, we known that that the great theologian Origen went on pilgrimage
in 215 AD and visited the cave of Christ’s nativity. Pilgrimages
also began to be made to Rome and other sites associated with the Apostles, saints and Christian
martyrs; as well as to places where there have been apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Pilgrimage is more than tourism, though it serves as a good source of income for the hosting
community. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and
to spend time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. Life for the
Christian is after all itself a circular journey—coming from God and returning to Him at the end
of our lives. Pilgrims undertake the journey for different reasons—as a form of penance, to obtain
a special request [e.g. health], or simply to experience a closeness to God in these special places.
The hosting towns of the Medieval period
appreciated the advantages attracting pilgrims to
their fold. The visitors significantly boosted the
economy. Many know the story of St. Nicholas
of Bari [more popularly associated with Father
Christmas] whose remains were stolen from
their original resting site in Myra in Asia minor
by sailors from Bari in 1087. Closer to home to
our Order, the remains of St. Lazarus were
transferred from Cyprus to Constantinople in
890 AD. The list can go on. The commercial
aspect of pilgrim sites remains today. My
memories of Lourdes include the contract between
the commercialism outside the gates of
the shrine contrasting with the deep spiritual
experience within. In Jerusalem at the Holy
Sepulchre—the spirituality vs the conflicts between
the various caretaker Orders.
In the Holy Land, I experience
deeper spiritual experiences
reading the New Testament on
the quiet shores of the Sea of
Galilee and at Capharnum.
Malta too has its pilgrim sites,
though we do tend to forget
these. However, the visit of the
Order’s Spiritual Protector in
April this year brought these out
to the fore. The devotion of the
Patriarch’s entourage towards St.
Paul and their eagerness to visit
the Pauline sites in Malta
changed their visit to a Pauline
pilgrimage and a spiritual experience for those
members who volunteered to host and guide the
Patriarch during his stay. Malta also hosts a number
of Marian sites, particularly the Mellieha
shrine. I would suggest that the Grand Priory
may take it upon itself to organise a Pauline pilgrimage
to the relevant sites in February [close to
the feast of St. Paul] and a Eucharistic service at
the Mellieha shrine in the month of May.
Other shrines containing relics of particular
relevance to the Grand Priory include St. John
Co-Cathedral in Valletta that holds the tight foot
of St. Lazarus and the Ursoline Church in Valletta
that holds the skull of Blessed Gerald—the
founder of the Order of St. Lazarus in Jerusalem.
Santiago de Compostela with its cathedral is
an important 9th century pilgrim destination.
Legend has it that the remains of the
apostle James were brought to Galicia
and in the early 9th century on a boat
made of stone, and were later discovered
at Santiago de Compostela. The
cathedral was built in his honour on
the spot where his remains were said
to have been found. Santiago de
Compostela, is considered the third
most holy town within Roman Catholicism
(after Jerusalem and Rome).
The traditional pilgrimage to the
grave of the saint, known as the "Way
of St. James", has become the most
popular pilgrimage for Western European
Catholics from the early Middle
Ages onwards.

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3
Commandery of Gozo
In its fund-raising efforts, the Commandery of
Gozo has commissioned a number of items that
are being offered for sale. These make handsome
gifts.
• Various sized Plaques depicting the Arms of
the Order are available. Cost depends on size: Large [20
x 14.5 cm] -- €15; Round [13 cm diameter] -- €12
• Magnet mounted plaques [9.5 x 7 cm] -- €6
• Battery-operated Clocks depicting the Arms of the Order
in the background -- €15
All items excluding postage & packing
• Philatelic items - The Commandery also offers for sale
used Malta stamps suitable for collectors at €2 per
packet of 30 stamps.
News & Activities
Thus quarter presented a number of opportunities for the members
of the Grand Priory and Commander of Gozo to meet and
socialize.
• 5th May 2010: A talk entitled "All Clear - From resisting Nazi
aggression to life in the New World" was delivered at the Grand
Hotel Excelsior by John Mifsud wherein the contents of a
book with the same title were outlined. The book is an autobiography
of the author—Bodies may be flesh and bone, but
lives are made of stories – remembered, embodied and retold.
• 15th May 2010: A reception was held at the Castello Lanzun
in honour of the new postulants who will be invested during
the next investiture in October. This activity enabled the postulants
to meet and get to know the remaining members of
the Grand Priory.
• 7th August 2010: A Summer Buffet Dinner for members and
friends of the Grand Priory was held at the Marine Triangle
at Grand Hotel Excelsior. The dinner was a fund-raising
event organized in aid of the Special Rescue Group - St Lazarus
Corp's to help that organization in its First Aid Training
Programme. Joining the Grand Priory was Col. Chev. John L.
Moriarity, Grand Commander of the West - Grand Priory of
America, accompanied by Ms Nathalie White. The setting
between the Hotel’s Marina and Swimming Pool area provided
an ideal atmosphere for an enjoyable evening in August.
ORDO SANCTI LAZARI
PAGE 2
The Grand Master's Vision
for the future of the Order
During the Holy Year Pilgrimage to Santiago
de Compostela, the Grand Master during his
meeting with the Heads of Jurisdiction
stressed the following points:
1. The Heads of Jurisdiction meetings would
now become a regular event which is basic for the Order, and
is indeed required by the Constitution; and
2. The meeting of the Heads of Jurisdiction was a fruitful and
constructive exchange of information particularly as plans for
future needs. The Grand Master placed an emphasis on.
• more involvement
• better communications,
• absolute transparency, and
• more contact between Heads of Jurisdiction for
better communication and exchanges of information
particularly in regard to charitable works.
In conclusion the Grand Master said a strong message was
given to the world at large of the strength, unity, spirituality
and pride in belonging to the Order of Saint Lazarus. The future
is brilliant and we will go ahead with our hospitaller works.
• 21st-23rd May: The Grand Prior led a delegation of members
and their spouses to the Pilgrimage to Santiago de
Compostela. During those three days, the delegates had the
opportunity to renew old friendships and make new contacts
with various international members of the Order. The
Grand Prior also represented the Grand Priory at the Heads
of Jurisdiction Meeting. The event served to re-establish
links with the Grand Priory’s
overseas friends including meeting
with the Spiritual Protector
who again reiterated his thanks
for the wonderful hospitality he
received from the Grand Priory
during his stay in Malta.
Programme:
• Friday May 21st
ο Visit to the Museum and roof of the
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
ο Excursion around the town of Santiago
de Compostela
ο Heads of Jurisdiction meeting
• Saturday May 22nd
ο Pilgrims' walk from Monte do Gozo to
the Cathedral
ο Pilgrims' Service in the Cathedral
ο Colemn Investiture Service at St. Martin
Pinario Monastery
ο Gala Dinner in Monastery
• Sunday May 23rd
ο Tour to Padrón and Idia Flavia
ο Melkite Service Rite in San Fructuoso

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3
Torre Lanzun located in the Mensija
suburb at San Gwann, Malta was
inaugurated by Grandmaster H.R.H.
Don Francesco de Borbón y de Borbón
as the official headquarters of the Order
of St. Lazarus on the 12th May 1973.
Torre Lanzun was originally a 15th
century farmhouse that by the 17th century
had transferred ownership to
Wenzu Lanzun from Cittá Vittorious,
thus accounting for its present name.
Wenzu Lanzun transferred residence to the farmhouse during the
1676 plague epidemic in an attempt towards avoiding the dreaded
infection—in a way placing himself and his family in virtual isolation
and quarantine. The San Gwann region was in the 17th century
very poorly inhabited; though the locality had long housed a number
of wayside chapels. Close to Torre Lanzun stands the cavechapel
dedicated to San Leonardo. Known today as the Chapel of
the Annunciation [Lunziata Chapel], this cave-chapel is associated
with a popular medieval legend. The locality during this period fell
under the jurisdiction of the Birkirkara Parish. Other chapels recorded
in the vicinity of the Gharghar [sive` Arar] region during
the Medieval period included the parochial church of St. Helena,
situated possibly close to the Ta’ Cieda Tower. Abandoned
during the 14 th century, the remains of this church were
still extant in 1575 when the Apostolic Visitor Mgr Petrus
Dusina wrote his report. Dusina wrote “Sanctae Helenae – Visitavit
aliam Ecclesiam ruralem sub vocabulo Sanctae Helenae constructam in
pertinentia Bircalcariae in contrata nuncupata Arar, quae alias dicitur
fuisse parrochialis Ecclesia, habet altare, caret rectore, introitibus, portis
ligneis, et omnibus alijs necessarijs ex devotione Michael Borgiu in eadem
die festivitatis celebrare facit missam tantum, non celebretur amplius, nisi
postquam fuerint factae portae ligneae.” Other churches located in
the Gharghar region mentioned by Dusina were those dedicated to
Santa Margarita, Sant Andrea, San Bartholomew and of course the
cave-chapel of San Leonardo.
In 1713, structural modifications were made to the edifice thus
enlarging and strengthening to serve as a fortified building to serve
as a haven for local inhabitants
during pirate
raids. It also served as a
hunting station for the
Grandmaster of the order
of St. John. During World
War II, it was used as an
observation post for enemy
planes, and was
rather severely damaged
during enemy action.
In 1971, the building was purchased by LtCol. Robert Gayre of
Gayre and Nigg, Laird of Lochore who then was serving as Grand
Commander and Grand Almoner of the Order. The buildings were
then passed on to the Order for use as its Administrative Headquarters—the
Grand Chancery. An effort was made to restore the buildings
and carry out improvements. The work was undertaken under
the direct supervision of architect and civil engineer Chev. Maurice
Captur, a member of the Priory of Malta. Notary Dr. J.R. Grech
gratuitously gave his professional services.
ORDO SANCTI LAZARI
Historical titbits— Torre Lanzun: Headquarters of the Grand Commandery of the Castello
PAGE 3
By the beginning of 2003, all restoration
work had been completed. Then began
the fitting and furnishing of the Grand
Chancery carried out through the generosity
of the various members of the Order. The
generosity of the members of the Priory of
Malta was not absent. In monetary terms,
the various Maltese members donated a total
of LM 200 for the endeavour [the membership
of the Priory in 1971 numbered 25
individuals]. In addition, other members
donated various specific items to embellish
the building.
• Chev. J. Tabone—a large carpet
• Chev. A. Zammit—two lanterns
• Mrs B. Zammit—draperies and curtains, lace altar cloths and holy water
stoop, and an antique crucifix
• The Delegation of Gozo headed by our present Grand Prior Chev. J.
Pace—a statue of Saint Lazarus
• LtCol. Chev J.V. Abela—kneeling stool with cushion for investiture
• Chev J. Amato Gauci—an antique piece of tapestry
• Mgr. Sciberras-Psaila—a Papal blessing on parchment
On the 12th May 1973, the
building was formally passed
over to the Order and started
functioning as the Grand
Chancery, the Grand Chancellor
then being Chev. J. Amato
Gauci. The transfer of the
Grand Chancery to Malta gave
the opportunity for many Maltese
members of the order to
involve themselves in the general
international management of the Order often occupying
foremost administrative positions.
In the meantime, the Hereditary Commandery of Lochore in Malta
established by Lt. Colonel Robert Gayre in 1967 established its
headquarters in Torri Lanzun. Many of the members of this
Commandery were of British nationality and numbered a total of
nine resident members in 1983. This commandery was renamed
the Commandery of the Castello in 1986. In the wake of the 1995
split of the British contingent from the Paris Obedience to form
the United Grand Priories of the Hospital Order of St Lazarus
and the fear that the British members of the Malta Obedience
will follow suit and appropriate Torre Lanzun, the then acting
Grand Chancellor—Chev. Reginald S. Attard—proposed that the
grandmaster should formally serve as the Commander of the
Castello to safeguard legal ownership of Torre Lanzun. The
Grandmaster took over the jurisdiction on the 14th September
2001. The present grandmaster H.E. Don Carlos Gereda de Borbón,
Marquis of
Almazan assumed
the post of Commander
on the 9 th
September 2009,
with the serving
Deputy Commander
being Chev
Geoffrey Fosberry
GCLJ.

The Military and Hospitaller Order
of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem
Grand Priory of the Maltese
Islands
Commandery of Gozo
Further information about the Grand Priory can
be obtained from the
www. stlazarusmalta.org
Memorabilia of the Order
Sculptured artifacts
The pedestal under the statue of St. Damien
in the Chapel of the Commandery of St. Anthony
of Grateemont in France dated to the
15th century depicts the arms of the Order of
St. Lazarus on its pedestal.
Investiture of the Grand Priory
The Annual joint investiture of the Grand Priory of the
Maltese Islands and the Commandery of Gozo is scheduled
to be held on Saturday 23rd October. All members of the
Grand Priory and the Commandery are obliged to make a
serious effort to attend this very important event in the
Grand Priory‘s calendar.
Forthcoming Activity—Commandery of Gozo
The Commandery will be organising a fund-raising activity at
the SeaShells Restaurant at Xlendi, Gozo on Saturday 21st
August. All members are encouraged to attend and participate
in this activity.
Forthcoming Activities 2010
• The Special Rescue Group - St. Lazarus Corps is organising
another First Aid Course for the General Public in
conjunction with the Malta Institute of Medical Education.
This course will be over 2 Saturday Mornings [21st & 28th August]
and will include both practical and theoretical sessions. Price: €41
including certificate. Venue: Basic Centre, Triq in Naggar, Mosta.
• Fund-raising event in aid of purchasing a defibrillator for use in the
Group’s ambulance with an illustrated lecture by medical historian
and author Chev Prof. C. Savona-Ventura entitled
ON THE TRACK OF ATLANTIS: PLATO’S ISLAND
on Saturday, 11th September 2010 at 7.30 pm
at Dolmen Hotel, Bugibba
The lecture will review the story of the mythical city Atlantis as presented
by the Classical authors, and from the information related in the
Classical texts, attempt to narrow the location of this now destroyed
city state. The Classical Atlantis texts will be correlated to the archaeological,
biogeographical and geological features of the Maltese-Pelagic
Archipelago during the Copper Age Period. The talk will be followed
by a buffet dinner at the Dolmen Hotel’s Menhir Restaurant and will
be accompanied by wine bottled for the Special Rescue Group by Dr.
Lino Said.
Lazarite Book Club
P.E. Gautier De Sibert. Histoire des Ordres Royaux Hospitaliers-Militaires
de Notre-Dame du
Mont-Carmel, et de Saint-Lazare de
Jerusalem. Paris, 1772, +515p with appendices
[reprinted by Kessinger Publ.]
This 18th century publication deals with
the history of the joint Orders of Our Lady
of Mount Carmel and St. Lazarus from the
origins in Jerusalem to the events of the
18th century. While the first chapter dealing
with the origins of the order of St Lazarus is often based on
conjecture; the remaining chapters are supported by documentary
evidence, which documents are often transcribed in the
appendices. This work was the definite work dealing with the
history of the Order of Saint Lazarus in the 18th century and
still serves as the corpus on which much of what is written on
the Order is based. A definite must for all serious researchers
into the Order’s history. A English translation by Guy Coutant
entitled “History of the Military and Hospitaliler Order of
Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem” that includes an added chapter
dealing with the period 1798-1930 was published in 1930. Unfortunately
this is a rare edition and not easily available.