Historic work of knights highlighted

LOCAL members of the oldest surviving international Christian order of chivalry marked a milestone over the weekend.

The Ballarat Commandery of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, seeks to support vulnerable people throughout the community, and on Saturday 24 June, the organisation celebrated the birthday of Saint John the Baptist, and the movement.

During the medieval crusades to the Middle East, Hospitaller Knights established hospitals, created pharmacy and treatment centres, and developed formal medical education and treatment protocols.

“There is such a strong link between the Knights Hospitaller almost a thousand years ago, caring for pilgrims who arrived in a desperate state after many anguishing months of travel, to find solace at their hospice built over the tomb of Saint John,” Deputy-Commander Chevalier Peter Morey said.

“The great comfort of home-based community palliative care is offered by Ballarat Hospice Care, today, and we feel privileged to support the work of Hospice in our community.”