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Published: 13 November 2024

Following our historic audience with Pope Francis, we were deeply honored to accept an invitation from Christ Trott, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See. The ambassador and his team graciously hosted our delegation at his exquisite Vatican residence, offering a warm and engaging continuation of our momentous visit.

The setting provided a unique opportunity for our members delve deeper into the vital role of the ambassador and his office. Over refreshments, Ambassador Trott offered a comprehensive briefing on the intricacies of his diplomatic mission. He outlined the critical responsibilities of his role, particularly in fostering effective communication between His Majesty King Charles III and the Vatican. This dialogue, he explained, is instrumental in addressing global priorities that resonate with Pope Francis, including the urgent need to combat climate change, alleviate poverty, and foster peace in regions plagued by conflict.

The ambassador spoke with profound respect for Pope Francis, emphasizing the Pontiff's ability to inspire and mobilize people worldwide. "The Pope is a trusted voice on issues of global importance", he remarked. "He speaks to the hearts of individuals and communities across borders, and our work ensures that His Majesty and the Vatican remain aligned in addressing these challenges".

Members of the Order were invited to ask questions, fostering a meaningful exchange about the intersection of diplomacy, faith, and service. The conversation illuminated the pivotal role played by the ambassador in navigating these complex and essential dialogues, reinforcing the shared mission of both His Majesty’s Government and the Vatican in promoting unity and compassion on a global scale.

Reflecting on the experience, the Grand Prior of the Order, Richard Brown, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity. "We are profoundly honoured to have been hosted by a member of His Majesty’s Government in such a distinguished and welcoming manner. Ambassador Trott’s insights into the critical work of his office have deepened our understanding of the collaboration required to address the world’s most pressing issues".

This visit not only strengthened the Order's sense of purpose, but also underscored the importance of fostering partnerships across nations and institutions. We returned to England inspired by the conversations held and with a renewed commitment to our mission of service and advocacy for peace and justice.

Ambassador Trott’s hospitality and the rich dialogue shared at his residence will remain a cherished memory for the Order, symbolizing the profound interconnectedness of faith, diplomacy, and shared responsibility in addressing the challenges of our time.

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Published: 13 November 2024

It is with profound humility and joy that we recount our recent pilgrimage to the Vatican - a historic journey that marked the first of its kind in the Order's long and storied history. This was no ordinary visit; it was a powerful testament to our shared faith, our unity, and our unwavering commitment to fostering goodwill on an international scale.

Our pilgrimage was the culmination of months of careful preparation, supported by the people of Cambridge, beloved home city for many of our members. We carried with us gifts and letters of gratitude, each a symbol of the vibrant and diverse community we represent. These tokens, sent by Member of Parliament Daniel Zeichner, Cambridge Mayor Cllr Baiju Thittala, City Council Leader Cllr Mike Davey, and even the Cambridge Muslim Community - including representatives from the Central Mosque - reflected the spirit of cooperation and peace that binds us all. They spoke not only to our Order’s mission but to the shared values of Cambridge itself.

Our journey took a deeply moving turn as we arrived in St. Peter’s Square, where the Order was announced as special guests during the General Audience. It was an honor beyond words, heightened by the presence of Christ Trott, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, and Simona Prete, who ensured our smooth entry into Vatican City through the special guests’ gateway.

As Pope Francis addressed the gathering, his words struck a chord within each of us. He spoke with urgency and compassion about the global crises we face, urging action on climate change, the alleviation of poverty, and the pursuit of peace in regions scarred by conflict - Myanmar, Palestine, and Ukraine among them. For us, these themes are not abstract concerns, but calls to action, aligning with the very mission that defines our Order.

Then came the moment we shall carry in our hearts forever. Pope Francis himself extended a personal greeting to our Grand Master, Cllr Robert Dryden, and other members of our delegation. Among those honored to meet him were Abdul Arain, chair of the Cambridge Muslim Trust, and a close ally in our interfaith efforts. The Holy Father accepted the messages and gifts we presented, assuring us of their safekeeping and significance. He then blessed us with words of encouragement and presented us with sacred tokens, including rosary beads blessed in his presence—tangible reminders of a connection that transcends distance and doctrine.

This pilgrimage was more than a milestone; it was a profound affirmation of the principles that guide us - compassion, unity, and service to humanity. Our Grand Master spoke for all of us when he described the experience as both humbling and transformative. It is a moment that will shape the Order's path for years to come.

As we returned to Cambridge, we did so with renewed purpose and a deepened commitment to our mission. This visit was not merely a strengthening of our bonds with the global Christian community; it was a step forward in our tireless efforts to build bridges between faiths and nations. We remain steadfast in our resolve to seek justice, promote peace, and serve humanity, inspired by the blessings and vision shared during our unforgettable time at the Vatican.

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Published: 13 November 2024

On  the 13th of November 2024, we embarked on a historic pilgrimage to Rome that underscored our mission of unity, faith, and remembrance. Led by our Grand Master, Cllr Robert Dryden, the delegation included 22 esteemed Dames and Knights of the Order, as well as a Cambridge friend of the Order, Abdul-Kayum Arains. Our journey brought us to some of Rome’s most significant religious and historical sites, fostering connections and deepening our commitment to our principles.

A Historic Audience with Pope Francis

The highlight of our pilgrimage was an audience with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square. We were deeply honoured to be introduced as special guests from England, accompanied by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Christ Trott, and Simona Prete, Senior Policy and Communications Officer. Pope Francis delivered an impassioned message focusing on global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and the pursuit of peace in conflict-torn regions like Myanmar, Palestine, and Ukraine.

In a moment of profound significance, the Pope personally greeted our Grand Master and the members of our Order. He received letters of appreciation and gifts from the Cambridge City Council, including contributions from MP Daniel Zeichner, Mayor Cllr Baiju Thittala, and the Cambridge Muslim Community. Pope Francis blessed us and presented us with rosary beads as a symbol of our spiritual mission.

A Reception at the British Embassy

Our pilgrimage also included an invitation from Christ Trott, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, who hosted us at his beautiful Vatican residence. The Ambassador provided refreshments and gave us an insightful briefing about the work of his office. He emphasized the importance of communication between His Majesty King Charles III and the Vatican on key issues such as climate change, poverty, and the pursuit of peace in conflict zones. Ambassador Trott highlighted Pope Francis’s role as a trusted global figure whose messages resonate worldwide. We reflected on the honour of being hosted by a representative of His Majesty’s Government and gained a deeper understanding of the vital diplomatic connections at play.

Diplomatic Tour at the Italian Senate

We were honoured to visit the Italian Senate, hosted by Senatrice Gisella Naturale, a friend of our Order from our previous visit to Italy in August this year. We received a private tour of the Palazzo Madama, including a rare opportunity to sit in The Aula, the chamber where Italian parliamentarians deliberate and vote. This visit celebrated the shared governance traditions of Italy and the UK, and we extended an invitation for Senatrice Naturale to visit Cambridge for a mutual exchange trip, including a tour of the British Houses of Parliament.

Honouring the Past in the Roman Ghetto

Our journey also included a solemn visit to the historic Roman Ghetto, established in 1555 as a place of confinement and oppression for the city’s Jewish community. The area’s history took a tragic turn during World War II, when many Jewish residents were arrested, deported, and executed in concentration camps. We paid our respects at commemorative blocks outside former Jewish homes, which bear the names and fates of the victims.

Together, we prayed for peace and vowed to never allow such atrocities to happen again. We met with members of the local Jewish community, visited synagogues, and shared messages of solidarity, emphasizing that the suffering of one community is the suffering of all. The Jewish community embraced our gesture, echoing Pope St. John Paul II’s call to “give a hug to people of other faiths.”

A Spiritual Homecoming at the Venerable English College

At the Venerable English College, we were welcomed by its leadership for a briefing and tour of the historic seminary. The visit featured the magnificent ceiling painting of St. George and culminated in a Mass ceremony. Our key member, Father Eugene Harkness, who served at the College for a decade, joined the clergy in a moving service. Father Konrad Grech, SJ, delivered a sermon emphasizing empathy and the interplay of mind and heart, inspiring all of us. Drinks and networking afterward further strengthened our bonds with the College.

Reflections and Moving Forward

Our pilgrimage to Rome was a profound journey of faith, remembrance, and diplomacy. Reflecting on the experience, Piero D’Angelico described it as “a testament to the enduring mission of our Order to build bridges between communities and preserve the lessons of history.” From our audience with the Pope to our visits to the Roman Ghetto, Italian Senate, Venerable English College, and the British Embassy, our engagements underscored our dedication to fostering peace and understanding.

As we returned to England, we carried with us a renewed commitment to our cause, inspired by the people we met and the places we visited. This pilgrimage not only honoured our past but also strengthened our resolve to address the challenges of the present and build a more compassionate future.

In the coming days, we will be publishing individual stories that highlight the unique moments and reflections from our pilgrimage to Rome. These accounts will delve deeper into the experiences of our members, offering personal insights and perspectives on the journey.