Grand Priory of Malta: Lazarite Scout Day commemorating the Partnership between The Order and the Scout Movement - April 2010
Throughout the years of its operation, the United Grand Priories of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem has always had excellent working relationships with theinternational scouting movement. Indeed, a number of its Grand Officers, including the Supreme Grand Prior himself were all very active in the Scout Movement. TheGrand Priory of Malta, together with the Grand Priory of Gozo, was, from its startup of activities on the island, always very close to the Scout Movement in the Maltese isles.
Indeed, the first partnership which was established in 2005 was between the Grand Priory and the Victoria Scout Group of Gozo. To date, more than 1300 Scout membersare fully recognised as being part of the special partnership which exists between the various Scout groups throughout the islands and the Saint Lazarus Foundation. Todate, the following Maltese and Gozitan Scout Groups have had their banners blessed by the Grand Priors of Malta and Gozo and form part of this partnership:
Victoria Scout Group
Marsa Scout Group
Fgura Scout Group
Tarxien Scout Group
Santa Venera Scout Group
Attard Scout Group
Birkirkara Scout Group
Gzira Scout Group
Lyceum Scout Group
Qormi Scout Group
Saint Augustine's Air Scouts
To commemorate such positive synergy with the Scout Movement, a beautiful parade was conducted in front of Palace Square with the members of the Order and variousinternational and national dignitaries of the Order. Scouts from the above mentioned Groups, together with a number of Scouting veterans, stood to attention amidst theperfect marches conducted by the Marsa Scout Group. The Group Scout Leaders were then individually introduced to the visiting dignitaries of the Order from abroad, whilst the Grand Prior of Gozo, the Most Reverend Monsignor Joseph Vella Gauci SChLJ blessed the banners of the Scout Group .In May 2010, a delegation from the Saint Lazarus Foundation also met with the top administration of the Scout Movement in order to further cement the synergy andworking relationships between the two organisations.
The Order of Saint Lazarus encourages and assists in various ways the growth of the Scout Movement due to its overwhelming positive influence in the youth - indeed men and women - of tomorrow.
