Sovereign Order of Malta

The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.

Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society. It is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival. Across the world, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their race or religion.

Founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, the Order of Malta has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. This 900-year history is reflected in its full name: Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Since 1834 the Order of Malta’s government seat has been in Rome, where it is guaranteed extraterritorial rights.

The Order of Malta operates through 12 Priories, 47 national Associations, 133 diplomatic missions, 1 worldwide relief agency and 33 national volunteer corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres and specialist foundations. It does not pursue any economic or political goal and does not depend on any other state or government.

Orden Malta España holds two Soup Kitchens in Madrid which daily feed more than 330 people:

· The Soup Kitchen “Virgen de la Candelaria” is situated at street Virgen de la Oliva, 69. It opens from 17:00 to 19:00 hours, Monday to Saturday. Last year 2017 its 170 volunteers assisted more than 25.000 beneficiaries from which there were an 81 % of men and a 19% of women. Their main nationalities were: Spanish, Moroccan, Romanian, Bulgarian and Colombian.

· The Soup Kitchen “San Juan Bautista” is situated at street Bascones, 21. It opens from 17:00 to 19:00 hours, Monday to Saturday. Last year 2017 its 350 volunteers assisted more than 46.000 beneficiaries from which a 75% of them were men and a 25% were women. Among their respective nationalities the majority were: Spanish, Peruvian, Ecuadorian and Moroccan.

The Volunteers collaborate in both Soup Kitchens by distributing themselves in two groups: one formed by 5/6 cooks in the mornings and other formed by 15/20 waiters in the evenings.

The majority of the food comes from Banco de Alimentos and from the altruistic collaboration of private donors and different institutions or organizations.