Stamps issued to celebrate anniversary of Order of Malta

Three new stamps have been issued in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the British Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta. The institution, established by a decree of the Grand Master and Sovereign Council on 15 December 1875, was founded by Sir George Bower. Sir George, who converted to Catholicism aged 39, is featured on one of this year’s commemorative stamps.  

The British Association of the Order of Malta is a major supporter of children’s hospitals, soup kitchens, care homes, community tea parties for the elderly, activity groups for refugees, and homelessness prevention efforts. The Order of Malta Volunteers youth group is also heavily involved with disabled youth and individuals with special needs, work that was inspired by the 78th British Grand Master Friar Andrew Bertie. Fra’ Bertie founded the youth group in 1974 and is featured on another of this year’s commemorative stamps. 

Under the current leadership of Lady Celestria Hales, the Order remains committed “to bear witness to the faith and to care for the poor” in the UK. She is the 16th president to serve the British chapter of the Order, while her father, Anthony Noel, the fifth Earl of Gainsborough, served as president from 1968 to 1974.  

Today, nearly 300 members belong to the British Association, including many descendants of notable Catholic figures. Members of the Order participate in an annual mass pilgrimage to Lourdes in May and to the shrine of Walsingham in Norfolk every September.  

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