One of the most important non-governmental organisations in Romania is the Order of Malta’s Relief Service in Romania. It is an organisation which translates into reality the mission undertaken by the Order of Malta almost a millennium ago: defending the faith and helping those in need.
The Order of the Knights of Malta was founded in the Holy Land in 1050 by Blessed Gerard and his companions. It was recognised in 1113 by Pope Paschal II as the ‘Order of St John of Jerusalem’. During the Crusades, it became one of the most important Christian orders. After the loss of the Holy Land, the Knights of St John took refuge in Cyprus and then settled on the island of Rhodos. After the Ottomans conquered Rhodos, the Knights of St John established their headquarters on the island of Malta. The name Maltese Knights was given to them at that time.
The Maltese Knights continued their mission of defending the faith, even at the cost of martyrdom, as well as their mission of helping those in need. Hospitals, schools, orphanages and other charitable institutions were built by the Order of Malta throughout Europe.
In 1798, the island of Malta was conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Knights of St John were forced to begin a new exile, which only ended when the Order’s headquarters were established in Rome in 1834.
Although the Order no longer has a military mission since the 19th century, the Maltese Knights continue the religious and charitable mission of their illustrious predecessors, including in Romania.
In fact, the presence of the Knights of St. John on the current territory of Romania has been attested since June 2nd 1247, when they received the mission to defend the Banat of Severin. The Knights of St John not only founded fortresses in Romania, but also charitable settlements. The first hospital in Romania today was created by them in Oradea.
In 1932, the Kingdom of Romania and the Order of Malta established diplomatic relations. These ceased after the establishment of communism, when the persecution of the Catholic Church began, but the Romanian Maltese Knights continued their work in exile. Diplomatic relations were resumed in 1991.
In Romania, there is the Romanian Association of the Order of Malta, which unites the Maltese knights, and the Order of Malta Relief Service, with its headquarters in Cluj. The Service has 18 branches and subsidiaries. In Cluj, the Order of Malta’s Relief Service set up a Maltese Kindergarten in 1991 dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of children with disabilities. Another long-standing programme is Meals on Wheels. Currently, 35 people receive a daily hot meal delivered by Maltese volunteers. Maltese volunteers in Cluj have also distinguished themselves by helping Ukrainian refugees.
