The Grand Magistry of the Order of Malta has informed
its members that the process to study toward the
beatification of the former Grand Master and Prince, Fra' Andrew Willoughby
Ninian Bertie.His Most Eminent Highness, Fra' Andrew died in Rome on February 7, 2008 at 78
years (he was born May 15, 1929). Berite was admitted to the Order in 1956 and
was the 78th head of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the successor of Blessed Gerard. Fra' Andrew was the
youngest son of the 7th Earl of Abigngdon; both sides of his family has royal
ties through the centuries. Bertie was educated at Ampleforth Abbey School,
Christ Church, Oxford and at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the
University of London. He taught French and Spanish for 23 years at the Worth
Abbey School, run by the Benedictine monks.
In April 1988, Andrew Bertie was
elected the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra' Angelo de Mojana di
Cologna. It is long known that Fra'Andrew was followed closely the official
motto of the order is Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum, "Defense of the Faith
and Service of the Poor."
Several years ago the Order of Malta was credited to
having about 13, 000 Knights and Dames, 80,000 volunteers (15,000 trained as doctors and nurses), and a presence in 200 hospitals. The Order has an official presence in 120
countries. I am sure the data could be updated.
Fra' James-Michael von Strobel has been charged to compile a list of
persons in the United States who knew Fra' Andrew and would support favorably
this cause.
Please contact Fra' James-Michael if you care to give support in
this endeavor. jmvonstroebel@hotmail.com
Pope Benedict XVI spoke of Fra' Andrew and praised "the work of this man of
culture and of his generous commitment in the fulfillment of his high office,
especially in favor of those most in need, and for his love for the Church and
for his luminous testimony of the principles of the Gospel."
Fra' Andrew was succeeded by Fra' Matthew Festing.
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