On 20 and 21 June 2025, the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, held a vibrant series of commemorative events in Zaragoza to honour its patron, Saint John the Baptist. Organised by the Grand Priory of Spain and the recently established Commandery of Zaragoza, the two-day gathering blended tradition, faith, hospitality, and forward-looking vision.
Day One: Solemn Mass and Hospitaller Dialogue
The celebrations began on Friday evening at the Church of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Anne, with a solemn Mass officiated by Reverend Fernando Vallejo Agreda. Present were numerous dignitaries from the Order, including Grand Prior Pedro Martínez Delgado and Commanders from Barcelona, Madrid, and Zaragoza.
In his homily, Reverend Vallejo emphasised humility, the dignity of service, and a heartfelt connection to the Order’s mission of charity. He reminded attendees that the true treasure lies not in material splendour but in service to others, echoing the spirit of Saint John the Baptist as a model of simplicity and truth.
Following the Mass, members of the Order engaged in an intimate dialogue with the Sisters of the novitiate. A poignant moment came with an interview of Sister María Luisa Belsué, recently returned from four decades of missionary work in Côte d’Ivoire. She praised the Order’s quiet and dignified support of healthcare projects in Africa, recalling their respect for the poor and their practical commitment to human dignity.
Sister Francisca Martínez, the Community’s Superior, recounted the origin of their congregation in 1804 — founded to serve the Royal Hospital of Our Lady of Grace in Zaragoza. Today, their congregation has over 1,700 Sisters and 300 centres across five continents, working in education, healthcare, and social action. A potential collaboration between SHOSJ and the congregation’s NGO, Fundación Juan Bonal, was discussed, particularly around shared values in service and aid delivery.
Day Two: A Ceremony of Reflection, Heritage, and Commitment
On Saturday, the event moved to the historic Church of San Juan de los Panetes, a Baroque landmark closely tied to the Order’s presence in Aragón. The official inauguration of the Zaragoza Commandery was marked by a conference led by Knights Pedro Martínez Delgado, Ricardo Falcón Lambán, Juan Mínguez Morales, and Manuel Grao Rivas.
Knight Mínguez opened by recalling the Order’s origins in 11th-century Jerusalem and its enduring vocation to serve the poor and sick regardless of background. He reminded the assembly that the Order’s eight-pointed cross, the Maltese Cross, continues to symbolise faith, courage, and selfless service.
Grand Prior Pedro Martínez reflected on the spiritual relevance of Saint John the Baptist as the embodiment of hospitality, fidelity to truth, and humility. He encouraged members to remain active at the margins of society, where service is most needed, and to carry forward the Order’s values with conviction and compassion.
Knight Manuel Grao offered a rich historical lecture on 14th-century Grand Master Juan Fernández de Heredia — a native Aragonese and early humanist. Heredia was not only a military leader but also a cultural patron who commissioned translations of classical texts, fostering one of Europe’s earliest humanist libraries. His life was presented as a powerful example of leadership rooted in knowledge, diplomacy, and vision.
“Memory of the Villages”: A New Hospitaller Programme
The final speech by Commander Ricardo Falcón introduced an ambitious new initiative: “Memoria de los Pueblos” (Memory of the Villages). The project seeks to preserve Spain’s intangible rural heritage by documenting oral histories and traditional knowledge from elderly residents in depopulated areas. These conversations — covering daily life, songs, healing practices, and local customs — will be recorded, archived, and made publicly accessible.
The programme also addresses the epidemic of loneliness among the elderly by providing regular contact and recognition of their stories as valuable cultural heritage. Volunteers from SHOSJ, including retirees and students, will lead the outreach. The initiative is designed to be collaborative, inclusive, and supported by institutions such as UNESCO, with a starting budget of €79,700.
A Closing of Fellowship and Thanks
The event concluded with heartfelt words of gratitude from Grand Prior Pedro Martínez and a closing note from Knight Mínguez. Special appreciation was given to the Eucharistic Missionaries of Nazareth for hosting the event at the Church of San Juan de los Panetes. A fellowship meal followed in the nearby Plaza de la Seo, reinforcing the spirit of fraternity and shared purpose.
