The annual reception on the anniversary of Blessed Gerardo, Founder of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, today of Malta, took place exceptionally this year, thanks to the hospitality of ASLRoma1, in the wonderful setting of the Corsie Sistine of Santo Spirito in Sassia. Used as a hospital up to years “40 of the last century, the Corsie Sistine superbly underline the Order of Malta’s original hospital vocation, which aims to offer the “Our Lords the Sick” since many centuries, not only good and adequate care, but also appropriate doses of beauty that, as a medicine, facilitate and accelerate healing.
After the broadcasting of the documentary made for RAI on the life of Blessed Gerardo and the activities of the Order till today, while an Art Historian illustrated – to those interested – the architectural beauties of the Corsie Sistine, the event continued with the Reception offered by the Embassy to the Holy See at the presence of more than 650 guests. In addition to HMEH the Grand Master, Their Excellencies the Members of the Government and of the Sovereign Council and His Eminence the Cardinal Patron of the Order of Malta, there were 10 Eminent Cardinals and 11 Fathers and participants in the Synod of Bishops. Also present Vatican Authorities and the Italian Government and Institutions, and more than 55 Heads of Mission of Diplomatic Representations accredited to the Holy See.
On the occasion, it was also possible to admire some large-format works by Maestro Massimo Listri, made available free of charge for the project, supported and sponsored by the Angelini Foundation, “The Art takes Care”, aiming at providing the Hospital of San Giovanni Battista alla Magliana and the Order’s Clinics in Italy and some abroad, with photographic images that bring light and beauty into places where the patient often goes burdened with worries and with heavy soul.
