Commemorating Mandela Day
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- Category: Charity
Once again, the Western Cape Commandery of the Grand Bailiwick of South Africa used the symbolism of NELSON MANDELA DAY to show a different kind of caring.
The idea of Mandela International Day was inspired by Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park in 2008, when he said, "It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now." A unanimous decision by the UN General Assembly launched this event on his birthday on 18 July, 2009, to recognise Mandela’s ‘…values and his dedication to the service of humanity’ and acknowledged his contribution ‘….to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world’.
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- Category: Members
We are pleased to congratulate Chevalier Manfred Erdenberger KCLJ of the Humanitarian Grand Priory of Europe (GPEU), who has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The award was presented by Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker at a small ceremony in the Cologne City Hall. Numbers were limited by the pandemic regulations and the Mayor delegated the customary pinning of the Order of Merit to Erdenberger's wife Rose Erdenberger.
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- Category: Events
While Australia has been relatively fortunate in dealing with the global pandemic of 2020, one of the less desirable outcomes was the need to postpone the 2020 National Chapter owing to the COVID-19 virus travel restrictions. Almost exactly 12 months later, this meeting was again organised by the Victorian Commandery amid continuing significant constraints relating to the number of members who may attend a particular event. This had ramifications for the choice of a central venue hotel and transport arrangements. No social events, other than two dinners were able to be organised, nor any local sightseeing trips. Only the meetings necessary for the ongoing function of the jurisdiction, the Vigil Service and the Investiture were possible on this occasion.
