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