The Order of St John from Jerusalem to Malta : some aspects and considerations

Abstract

This book contains the collected papers of a two-day symposium held in November 2006 by the Sacra Militia Foundation. The original symposium was entitled 'The Knights of St John from Palestine to Malta' and was held at Casa Lanfreducci, the Headquarters of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (M.A.S.M.O.M.). It proved to be quite a successful event as it assembled together a number of researchers and scholars who examined some of the salient points in the history of the Order of St John. These presented a kaleidoscopic picture of the Hospitaller Order in that each took one specific aspect from the long existence of this versatile, yet relatively stable, organisation. The result was a set of papers which together help to project a good picture of the reality of this religious order of warrior monks, but who were also administrators, politicians, but above all, hospitallers.

This book should continue to enhance and enlarge the quite numerous publications and studies on this most famous order of knighthood. It contributes to shed more light on various aspects, topics and situations which make up the Order's centuries old existence.

One point which comes out of these studies is the wealth of information that already exists on the theme. However, it will also be realised that much more can still be discovered from the myriad documents deposited in the many libraries, depositories and archives spread out in many parts of the globe. Research is ongoing and with each new item discovered, the Order's history becomes richer and more enticing. May this observation serve to make researchers more and more enthusiastic about their work and may this keenness result in new and more elaborate findings to enrich our knowledge about the life and times of the Sovereign Military Order of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta.

I am duty bound to thank M.A.S.M.O.M. for their continuous support towards the Sacra Militia Foundation. Throughout its existence our Foundation has always cooperated closely with the Maltese Association of the S.M.O.M. We have found common ground on which we could agree. After all we both have the Order's history at heart and this helps us to share a scope which both organisations give priority to.

One last remark of gratitude must go to my wife Pauline whose moral support and understanding has never faltered, even though much of my time and attention was shared between my family and the computer, with the latter many a time gaining the larger share. [Editor's Preface]