Congratulations to Malta and the Pope Benedict - appointed new Cardinal Paolo Sardi.

"Pro - Patron of the Order of Malta, Italy"


From the Inside The Vatican magazine. November 2010 issue..

"Italian Cardinal - designate Paolo Sardi, 76, is the pro - patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a position that involves promoting the spiritual interests of the Knights of Malta and their relationship with the Vatican.

"He also has served since 2004 as vice chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church.

"The [forerunners of the] Knights of Malta were founded in Jerusalem at the end of the 11th century to run a hospice for pilgrims but gradually took on military responsibilities to defend pilgrims and Christian lands from Muslim attacks.

"Today, the knights are dedicated solely to promoting the holiness of their members, supporting efforts to promote the faith and charitable work, especially in health care..."

Note: I'm tempted to say that we often saw a big, white hospital ship -- with a big Red Cross painted on it -- in Da Nang Harbor in Vietnam over 40 years ago -- like maybe it belonged to the Knights of Something...! :)