I have guarded, among a couple of other items that
the Grand Master gave me, a small book in the form
of an itinerary commemorating his state visit to Malta
in 1968. It is titled, on the third page inside, State
Visit to Malta by his Most Eminent Highness, the
Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military
Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of
Rhodes and of Malta. It was obviously his very
personal souvenir, outlining in minute detail,
in 91 pages, where he would be and with whom
during the four-day visit. Hundreds of people were
involved. Perhaps even in his frail condition, he
hoped for a second State Visit to Malta. If he did,
it would remain an aspiration but a powerful one in
its suggestive quality.
This interaction
encapsulated a signal of
his approval, good wishes,
hope and benediction. I felt
ennobled by the encounter.
HYLAND
