The Knights of Malta visiting

We were delighted to host the Grand Priory of England for a men’s retreat for the British Knights of Malta over the week-end.

Fra Richard Berkley-Matthews said ” our thanks to all the team at Minsteracres who made us feel so welcome, and looked after us so well.  We had an immensely enjoyable and fruitful stay.  Thank you. “

Their history and what they do now

The British Association of the Order of Malta dates from 1875

The Order in Britain has some 300 members, many of whom are descended from recusant Catholic families and martyrs.

The work of the Order in Britain encompasses its 71 care homes, soup kitchens, care for the lonely housebound, pilgrimages to Lourdes and Walsingham with disabled guests, and participation in the Order’s international summer camps for young disabled.

Since its foundation 960 years ago, many names have been used to identify the Order and its members.  This can be explained by its nine centuries of eventful life and in particular because the Knights have often been forced to move from countries where they once played a leading role.

The official name of the Order of Malta is the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Abbreviations of the name – Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Sovereign Order of Malta, or Order of Malta – are often used for legal, diplomatic or communication purposes.

The knights were initially called the Knights Hospitaller (or Hospitallers) to describe their mission. But they were also called the Knights of St John with reference to the Order’s patron saint and also of Jerusalem because of their presence in the Holy Land. 

After conquering the island of Rhodes in 1310, they became the Knights of Rhodes. In 1530, the Emperor Charles V ceded the island of Malta to the Knights. Since then the Order’s members are commonly referred to as the Knights of Malta.

To protect this heritage, the Order of Malta has legally registered 16 versions of its names and emblems in some 100 countries.  You can find out more about the Order here