CARDINAL RECALLS NOBILITY OF SMOM GM

ZE08021805 - 2008-02-18
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-21811?l=english

Cardinal Recalls Nobility of Order of Malta Grand Master

Says Bertie Was Known for Compassion Toward Suffering

ROME, FEB. 18, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Andrew Bertie was not just of noble birth, he was noble of soul, said the cardinal who presided at the funeral of the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

This is how Cardinal Pio Laghi characterized Bertie during the solemn funeral Mass that was celebrated at the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill in Rome on Saturday. Bertie Died Feb. 7 at age 78.

In his homily, the cardinal recalled Bertie's "natural gift of making himself be obeyed, a virtue in which he himself provided an example; compassion toward those who suffer, his straightforward and serene manner of speaking -- with an occasional sagacious comment but always marked by charity -- the noble expression of his face, which revealed a profound spirituality and a strong conviction."

Benedict XVI, in a telegram of condolence for his death, praised "the work of this man of culture and [...] his generous commitment in the fulfillment of his high office, especially in favor of those most in need, and for his love for the Church and for his luminous testimony of the principles of the Gospel."

Cardinal Laghi paid homage to Bertie's dedication in promoting the mission of the Order of Malta: taking care of everyone, without distinction of religion, race or origin.

Cardinals Paul Poupard, Jean-Louis Tauran, Renato Martino and John Patrick Foley concelebrated the funeral Mass with Cardinal Laghi.

After the Mass, Bertie's body was entombed in the Church of Santa Maria del Priorato. The state funeral will take place March 8 in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

The Order of Malta is a lay Catholic charitable group. It operates numerous hospitals, medical centers, first aid groups and various humanitarian projects in 120 countries.

Currently 12,500 members and 80,000 permanent volunteers, assisted by 13,000 doctors and nurses, are engaged in the charitable works of the order.

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Source: http://www.zenit.org/article-21811?l=english