Dear Sisters and Brothers in Saint John,

It is with the deepest and most sincere sorrow that the Magisterial House of Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta Federation of Autonomous Priories must release the news of the sudden passing away of His Eminent Highness, Grand Master Dom Lorenzo Abrunedo O.S.B., on Monday, 14th November 2005 at the Hospital of St Vincent, New York, USA.

The Government of the Knights of Malta will pay respect for the life and achievements of our beloved Grand Master with a mourning period of nine days, starting from the 14th November.

In the fulfilment of the terms of the constitution, as Lieutenant General and Prime Minister, I will conduct the Federation and the Government in full legal capacity and I have convoked the Grand Council, presided by His Royal Highness Prince Michael Stewart of Albany, to perform its constitutional duties.

May the Lord keep our Grand Master in His Divine company!

Made on the 14th day of November of the year of Our Lord 2005.