To All Members of the Sovereign Order (Worldwide)

An important meeting of the members of the Order – the annual Knight Commanders Conference -- is scheduled for the last weekend in Auugust, 2008. This will be an extremely important meeting.

Numerous vital matters of business will be conducted, including the following: (1) Remarkable, historic documents will be presented and discussed, including the recent re-confirmation of the Sovereign Order and the re-affirmation of its historic rights and privileges by the Holy See. (2) Short and long range plans and goals of the Order will be set down. (This will include the eventual construction of living quarters at the headquarters priory for retired Knights.) (3) Several Statutes and statements of policy will be presented. (4) A plan of action regarding the active defense of the Church will be initiated. (5) The Grand Master, Dr. Grady, who has led the Order for twenty-five years, is voluntarily stepping down so as to insure a conscientious and orderly transfer of the government of the Order. At this meeting Sir John will pass the leadership of the Order to the Grand Master Elect, Sir Barry Garland.

All of the above items of business are of great importance. Regarding item (5): The incoming Grand Master is well qualified. Several years ago the Grand Master appointed Barry to the position of Lt. Grand Master, where he served with distinction. He is talented, capable, experienced, a sincere traditional Catholic, and deeply devoted to the Order of Saint John. In addition, he is probably more knowledgeable of the Order’s history over the past two centuries than any other Knight. Nevertheless, he assumes a very difficult and demanding job with heavy responsibilities. He will need the assistance of dedicated Knight Commanders to move the Order forward. Therefore, all sincere Knights should be at this meeting to offer their services.

Let us remind you that all Knights of the Supreme Council and all other Knight Commanders, Priors and Territorial Commanders are expected to attend (if at all possible). All other Knights should attend if able. All Ladies, Esquires and Hospitallers are cordially invited, as are all Chaplains and Clergy associates, and Friends of the Order.

Details:

    Friday, August 29: The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon at the Holiday Inn in Cleveland, Tennessee. The meeting will continue through the afternoon, with a Seafood Buffet dinner at 6:00 p.m., and further discussions until 8:00 p.m.

    Saturday, August 30: Mass at the Priory at 8:00 a.m., followed by a light continental breakfast. Meeting from 9:00 to 12:00 Catered lunch. Saturday afternoon meeting at the Priory. Then dinner back at the Holiday Inn, followed by further discussions.

    Sunday, August 31: Mass at the Priory at 10:00 a.m., followed by a formal Investiture. The Conference will end at approximately noon.

Holiday Inn for reservations: 423.472.1504   OSJ members will receive a substantial discount on room rates. Attendees will pay for their own room and meals. There is no attendance fee, nor any assessment for the Conference.

Best wishes and prayers,

Brother John

Grand Master