On 10 August 2026, Ambassador of the Sovereign @OrderofMalta to Romania, HE Roberto Musneci KM, continued the planned visits to the first two families who are part of the Embassy’s support programme in Ciofliceni, Ilfov County.
The Ambassador was joined by Mrs Andreea Oancea, founder of Asociația Almater Home, whose organisation has played a pivotal role in identifying the current beneficiaries, as well as other families expected to join the programme in September.
The families visited have several children, who have been encouraged to make small improvements to their homes between visits, as part of the programme’s wider emphasis on continuity, personal engagement, and shared responsibility.
At the conclusion of the visit, Ambassador Musneci stated, “Beyond the modest material assistance provided, spending time with people and listening to their stories is a humbling and deeply refreshing experience.” He added, “I warmly recommend it to all those who will join our efforts in the coming weeks and months.”
For several days, severe #wildfires have been devastating the Gironde and Landes regions.
More than 200,000 people have been evacuated
@OrdredeMalteFR rescue teams are fully mobilised and working tirelessly to respond to the emergency.
Clarification regarding reports of the alleged death of a “diplomat of the Order of Malta” in the Russian attack on July 24 in the Kyiv region
[ https://t.co/hYe7snGWss ]
One month after the earthquake in #Venezuela, the #OrderofMalta has assisted over 28,000 people. From medical care to the distribution of essential goods and logistical support, the Order continues to support the affected communities.
https://t.co/Qgjnpimmkj
The 68th International Pilgrimage of the #OrderofMalta to #Lourdes brought together thousands of stories from 45 countries. A thousand-year journey of faith, service and humanity to place the most vulnerable at the center.
Today, 10 July 2026, the Embassy of the Sovereign @OrderofMalta to Romania continued its visits to the families included in the support programme launched together with Asociația Almater Home in the Ciofliceni area of Ilfov County, Romania.
On this occasion, Ambassador Roberto Musneci KM was accompanied by Father Damiano of the Carmelite Monastery in Ciofliceni, whose continued support remains an important part of the initiative.
During this second round of visits, it was encouraging to see that some of the homes were already better cared for, and that the families received the Embassy in a more relaxed and familiar atmosphere. The Embassy has also agreed the schedule of visits for the coming months and hopes to gradually expand the number of beneficiaries as the programme develops.
At the conclusion of the visit, Ambassador Musneci thanked Father Damiano for his time, courtesy, and openness to continuing to support the Embassy’s efforts in favour of families living in particularly difficult conditions.
H.E. Ambassador Roberto Musneci has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi, one of the highest distinctions of the Sovereign @OrderofMalta, during a ceremony held at the Magistral Palace in Rome.
The distinction reflects his continued commitment to promoting the values and humanitarian mission of the Order. On this occasion, he stated: “It is a great honor for me to receive the Grand Cross, which I share with the Embassy team and all those who have supported our work over the years.”
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E.S. Ambasadorul Roberto Musneci a fost distins cu Marea Cruce a Ordinului pro Merito Melitensi, una dintre cele mai înalte recunoașteri acordate de Ordinul Suveran de Malta, ��n cadrul unei ceremonii desfășurate la Palatul Magistral din Roma.
Distincția reflectă angajamentul constant în promovarea valorilor și misiunii umanitare ale Ordinului. Cu această ocazie, Ambasadorul a declarat: „Este o mare onoare pentru mine să primesc Marea Cruce, pe care o împărtășesc cu echipa Ambasadei și cu toți cei care ne-au sprijinit activitatea în acești ani.”
https://t.co/ij6x1FsEv2
A ceremony was held yesterday at the Magistral Palace during which the Grand Master conferred the Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi upon the #OrderofMalta’s Ambassadors to #Albania, #Bulgaria, #DRCongo, #NorthMacedonia, #Romania and #Ukraine.
https://t.co/1X1iMjpm3Y
🇷🇴Pe 29 iunie Biserica îi cinstește pe Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel, patronii spirituali ai Romei. Dacă nu ar fi fost convinși de înviere probabil nu ar fi acceptat martiriul. La mulți ani celor care le poartă numele!
🇬🇧May Saints Peter and Paul watch over you! Happy name day!
The Embassy of the Sovereign @OrderofMalta to Romania, with the support of Asociația Almater Home and the Carmelite Monastery in Ciofliceni, has launched an initial support programme for families living in particularly difficult conditions in the Ciofliceni area of Ilfov County, Romania.
With the assistance of Almater Home, 15 families without regular income and facing serious economic and social challenges have been identified. The programme aims to provide basic material support according to the specific needs of each family, with particular attention to children. Depending on the circumstances, this assistance may include food, new clothing, hygiene products, and/or materials to improve housing conditions and essential facilities.
A key feature of the programme is its continuity over time. It is not intended as a one-off donation, but as a regular form of support involving visits, personal engagement, and close attention to the evolving needs of the families.
On 23 June 2026, Ambassador Roberto Musneci KM and his wife, Marialaura, accompanied by Mrs Andreea Oancea of Almater Home, visited the first two families and delivered the initial assistance, spending time with them and listening to their needs. The next bi-monthly delivery is planned for mid-July 2026.
The project remains open to all those willing to join this effort and help broaden its scope, both for the 15 families already identified and for others in need. As the initiative develops, more structured logistical and procurement arrangements will be put in place. Following the visit and pledging support to the programme, Ambassador Musneci stated, “For now, the most important step is to begin, with humility, consistency, and a willingness to serve.” He added, “Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!”
The #OrderofMalta celebrated its Saint Patron, St. John the Baptist, with a solemn Mass at the Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio, attended by the Grand Master Fra' John T. Dunlap, the Sovereign Council, and members of the diplomatic corps.
https://t.co/4LbqXtjrGw
Today, 24 June 2026, the Sovereign @OrderofMalta marks the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Patron Saint of our Order.
To celebrate this occasion, the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Romania hosted its annual diplomatic reception on 22 June 2026. Exceptionally this year, the reception and the Association’s Holy Mass were held ahead of the traditional feast day.
The reception brought together more than 130 guests, including representatives of Romanian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, civil society, and longstanding friends of the Order. Following welcoming remarks by Ambassador Roberto Musneci KM, Mrs Clara Staicu, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the excellent relations between Romania and the Sovereign Order of Malta and expressed appreciation for the humanitarian work of the Order and its volunteers in support of vulnerable communities across Romania.
Among the distinguished guests were former President Emil Constantinescu, one of the leading figures in Romania’s democratic transformation after 1989, and former Prime Minister Adrian Năstase, who, as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1991–1992, contributed to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and the Sovereign Order of Malta after their interruption by the communist regime in 1947.
In his remarks, Ambassador Musneci reflected on the enduring mission of the Order in Romania and beyond, with particular emphasis on assistance to vulnerable communities, support for refugees from Ukraine, and the social and medical programmes carried out by the Romanian Relief Corps (SAMR).
The Embassy expresses its sincere gratitude to the event sponsors���Modvin, Crowe, UniCredit Bank, Prysmian, Generali, Sara Restaurant, Serban & Musneci Associates, CorpMed Eastern Europe, Vinju Mare, Land of Basarabia, Măgura Zamfirei, WolfPack, Casa de Cultură a Studenților “Dumitru Fărcaș”, Ansamblul Folcloric Studențesc „Mărțișorul” , Fain Art Gallery, and Galleria 146—as well as to the media partners DC Media Group, Via Cluj TV, and Nine O’Clock, whose valued support contributed significantly to the success of this year’s reception
Today, the #OrderofMalta celebrates its Patron Saint, St. John the Baptist: a journey into the history and identity of a mission of faith and care, always at the service of the most vulnerable.
https://t.co/NjEzy5VxJk
On 22 June 2026, members of the Romanian Association of the @OrderofMalta gathered at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Bucharest for Holy Mass in anticipation of the Feast of St John the Baptist, Patron Saint of the Order.
The Mass was celebrated with His Excellency Archbishop Giampiero Gloder, Apostolic Nuncio to Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Ten Members of the Association joined in prayer and fraternity, giving thanks for the Order's mission and renewing their commitment to "Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum", the defence of the faith and service to the poor.
As the Order of Malta prepares to celebrate its patronal feast on 24 June, may the example and intercession of St John the Baptist inspire us to bear faithful witness to Christ through lives of humility, charity, and service.
✠ St John the Baptist, pray for us.
The 14th edition of the #OrderofMalta International Rescue Maneuvers has concluded in #Poland. Twelve European teams faced complex emergency scenarios, combining clinical care and first aid to strengthen the Order’s operational readiness.
https://t.co/AVkQNw70I1
On the Day of Romanians Everywhere (May 31), we express our gratitude to all those who, through their dedication, professionalism, integrity, kindness, faith, and dignity, embody the very essence of the Romanian people.
The annual Șumuleu Ciuc / Csíksomlyó Pilgrimage is one of the most significant Roman Catholic Marian pilgrimage traditions in Central and Eastern Europe. It takes place in present-day Șumuleu Ciuc, now part of Miercurea Ciuc in Harghita County, a region of eastern Transylvania with a centuries-old Catholic heritage.
The pilgrimage site predates the modern Romanian state and has long played an important role in the spiritual life and cultural identity of the Székely people and the wider Hungarian Catholic communities, while today also forming an important part of the shared religious landscape of Romania.
Franciscan monks established a spiritual centre in the fifteenth century, and from 1442 onward the church and monastery at Csíksomlyó developed into a recognised place of prayer and devotion. In 1444, Pope Eugenius IV encouraged the faithful to sustain and support this spiritual life, granting indulgences to those contributing to the building and maintenance of the church.
Over time, the shrine became closely associated with the protection of the Virgin Mary, especially in connection with events from 1567 remembered in both local tradition and historical accounts. During this period, Prince John II Sigismund Zápolya, who supported Unitarian and Protestant reforms in Transylvania, sought to influence the religious direction of the region, including forced conversion of the historically Catholic Székely population. According to tradition, many Székelys remained steadfast in their Catholic faith and as such, were prepared to defend it. A confrontation is said to have taken place on the Saturday before Pentecost on the fields near Csíksomlyó, with the local priest István of Joseni credited with rallying the faithful. Traditional narratives recount that despite the odds being against them, the Catholics prevailed and the opposing forces withdrew, an outcome regarded as a sign of the Virgin Mary’s protection. This memory, interpreted as a sign of divine care, deeply marked the community and laid the foundation for the annual Pentecost pilgrimage.
Despite changing political and historical circumstances, devotion at Șumuleu Ciuc endured, including through periods when public religious life faced challenges. Since the early 1990s, the pilgrimage has flourished once again, and today it brings together many tens of thousands of believers each Pentecost from across Romania, Hungary, other neighbouring countries, and ever-increasingly from the global Catholic community.
Within the diverse spiritual tapestry of Romania, Șumuleu Ciuc stands as a place of devotion, continuity, and mutual respect among the communities who share this historic and beautiful land. The pilgrimage offers a moment of unity, prayer, and as a witness to faith.
Tuesday is World Fair Play Day!
Learn about the role of sport in promoting solidarity, tolerance, inclusion, and non-discrimination. https://t.co/KQjrzGvcy7
The Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Romania, HE Roberto Musneci KM, together with his wife, Marialaura, attended the traditional Garden Party hosted by the Royal House of Romania on 10 May 2026 at Elisabeta Palace in Bucharest. This year’s celebration held particular significance, marking the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Romanian Royal House, a moment regarded as the beginning of the country’s modern constitutional and institutional development.
Dedicated to both Romania and the Republic of Moldova, the event brought together several thousand guests from across Romania and Moldova, including representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, academia, civil society, and the business community.
Over the years, the Garden Party at Elisabeta Palace has become an important occasion for institutional dialogue and public engagement, reflecting values shared by the Royal House and the Sovereign Order of Malta: service, solidarity, and support for vulnerable communities. The longstanding relationship between the two institutions has been strengthened through humanitarian cooperation and continuous dialogue rooted in mutual respect and tradition. These close ties are also reflected in the conferment of the Pro Merito Melitensi decoration upon members of the Royal Family.
The Embassy’s participation in this important anniversary celebration once again underlined the enduring friendship between the @OrderofMalta and the Romanian Royal House , as well as their shared commitment to promoting human dignity, social responsibility, and assistance to those most in need.