Poland’s president has awarded the country’s highest distinction, the Order of the White Eagle, to Fra’ John Dunlap, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of Malta.
Thursday saw the first ever official visit by a Polish president to the Order’s Grand Master.
The meeting took place in Rome, during a three-day visit to Italy by President Andrzej Duda. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Poland and the Order establishing diplomatic ties. Last year, Dunlap visited Warsaw.
The Order is a historic Catholic lay religious order that dates to the age of the Crusades 1,000 years ago. Its motto is “Defense of the faith and assistance to the poor,” while it controls no territory, some countries treat the Order as a sovereign entity.
Duda Awarded the honor in recognition of Dunlap’s service in enhancing relations between Poland and the Knights of Malta, and expressed appreciation for the Order’s activities, particularly in aid of Ukrainian refugees.
The Order of Malta’s Relief Corps in Poland supports the elderly, disadvantaged children, the disabled and refugees with over 1,200 volunteers and 360 employees, according to the Order’s website.
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, to give it its official title, became active in Poland in 1920. Following a hiatus under communist rule when its activities were banned, the Order resumed its work in 1992.
The meeting took place in Rome, during a three-day visit to Italy by President Andrzej Duda. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Poland and the Order establishing diplomatic ties. Last year, Dunlap visited Warsaw.
The Order is a historic Catholic lay religious order that dates to the age of the Crusades 1,000 years ago. Its motto is “Defense of the faith and assistance to the poor,” while it controls no territory, some countries treat the Order as a sovereign entity.
Duda Awarded the honor in recognition of Dunlap’s service in enhancing relations between Poland and the Knights of Malta, and expressed appreciation for the Order’s activities, particularly in aid of Ukrainian refugees.
The Order of Malta’s Relief Corps in Poland supports the elderly, disadvantaged children, the disabled and refugees with over 1,200 volunteers and 360 employees, according to the Order’s website.
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, to give it its official title, became active in Poland in 1920. Following a hiatus under communist rule when its activities were banned, the Order resumed its work in 1992.
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