Monte-Carlo, December 2, 2024

 In the prestigious setting of the Hôtel Hermitage, a solemn ceremony was held for the bestowal of distinctions of the Order of Merito Melitense. The decorations, conferred by His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap and the Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta during the session of June 20, 2024, were awarded to distinguished personalities of the Principality of Monaco.

During the event, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Principality of Monaco presented the following distinctions:

The Cross with Plaque of the Order of Merit of Malta to Her Excellency Madame Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Government Counselor and Minister of External Relations and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco.

The Cross with Crown of the Order of Merit of Malta to Madame Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of External Relations and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco.

The Cross with Crown of the Order of Merit of Malta to Madame Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations of the Principality of Monaco.

Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Christophe Steiner, Chief of Staff to H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the Ambassador of France to Monaco Jean d’Haussonville, and the President of the Association of Honorary Consuls, Marc Lecourt. The Board of Directors of the Association of the Order of Malta in Monaco, including its President Jean Kerwat, Chancellor-General Secretary H.E. Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, and Hospitaller Gaia Catelli, was also present.

In his address, Ambassador Alberto di Luca expressed deep gratitude towards the Principality of Monaco, recalling the historic ties between the Grimaldi Family and the Order of Malta since 1168. He also highlighted the importance of the diplomatic relations established 14 years ago, fostering fruitful collaborations in the Order’s charitable mission based on the millennial principles of Tuitio Fidei and Obsequium Pauperum (“Defense of the faith and assistance to the poor”).

The Order of Merito Melitense, instituted in 1920, aims to reward achievements that bring honor and prestige to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It is primarily intended for individuals outside the Order, irrespective of religion, and does not confer membership in the Order itself.

Her Excellency Madame Isabelle Berro-Amadeï emphasized the profound bond between the Principality of Monaco and the Order of Malta, as well as the significance of the Order’s humanitarian actions defined by their apolitical, impartial, and neutral character. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen collaboration between the Principality of Monaco and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in support of solidarity initiatives and aid for the most vulnerable.

On the right in the photo above, the President of the Association of the Order of Malta in Monaco Jean Kerwat, the Chief of Staff of H.S.H. Prince Albert II Christophe Steiner, the Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, the Director General of International Cooperation Isabelle Rosabrunetto, the Government Adviser and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, the Ambassador of the Order of Malta Alberto di Luca, Ambassador of France Jean d’Haussonville, the President of the Association of Honorary Consuls Marc Lecourt.