Wednesday 30 November 2011

Grand Master's Advent Message

My Friends in Saint Lazarus,

The time has come for a renewal of our vows of Christianity and Tradition. The seasons of Advent and Christmastide allow us to contemplate the mystery and wonder of our Christ Child, remembering that it is now that our Saviour is born. We celebrate this event as members of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, and do so with faith in our fellow man and with hope for the future. In little over 12 months we have accomplished a great deal together in our mission to follow the values of our Order. Yet, despite these phenomenal achievements since November 2010 in Orléans, our work is far from over.

I remain firm in the resolve that we should continue with a firm purpose, in the coming months and years, to follow the example of the Saviour. As Knights and Dames of Saint Lazarus, under the banner of the Green Cross, we reaffirm our vows to care for the weak; opening our hearts with compassion to the sick, the needy, and the suffering. Nothing will deter us from this mission.

- We have a duty to reassure society of our spotless Christian image.

- We have to maintain our loyalty to the very Christian values and principles outlined in The Constitutional Charter, raising them as our banner.

- We must ensure that respect and compassion for our fellow human beings remain at the heart of our path.

On the eve of the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ let us pray together for our mission, as part of one great family. In the Spiritual and Temporal pursuits of the Order, especially on entering the New Year of 2012, our motivation and enthusiasm remains intact. We have no fear! Our dignity and courage will prevail. I pray that this wonderful season will bring Peace, Joy and Tranquility to all the members of The Order and their families.

In the name of the Lord, Our Virgin Mary, and that of Saint Lazarus, I remain yours.

Jan Count Dobrzensky z Dobrzenicz
50th Grand Master Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem