Biography

Curriculum Vitae

Father Gérard T. (Clemens) Lagleder OSB

Historical links from the original CV have been retained

Anniversaries 2026	Date	Education	Church life	Order of Malta & Medical
	2 July 1955	born at St. Hedwig's Maternity Hospital, Regensburg, as the second son of Hans Lagleder, a senior teacher and administrator who headed a branch campus of the Albrecht-Altdorfer-Gymnasium, and his wife, Thilde Lagleder (brother: Johannes Lagleder and sister Mechthilde Lagleder)
	16 July 1955		Baptism at the Niedermünster Church (St. Ulrich's Cathedral Parish), Regensburg
	3 September 1961 – July 1965	Elementary school "am Klarenanger", Regensburg
	from November 1963		Altar Server at St. Ulrich's Cathedral Parish of Regensburg
	10 May 1964		First Holy Communion at Regensburg Cathedral
	4 May 1965		Confirmation at Regensburg Cathedral by Missionary Bishop Edgar Häring
	9 September 1965 – February 1973	Albrecht Altdorfer High School, Regensburg
	January 1969		Moved to St. Cecilia's Parish, Regensburg
	October 1969			Began volunteering with Malteser-Hilfsdienst Regensburg
	7 October - 26 November 1969			First Aid training Certificate (PDF)
	13 January 1970			Formally admitted to Malteser Hilfsdienst, membership number 29128; the beginning of a lifelong association with the Order of Malta.
	13 January - 28 April 1971			Medical training as an ambulance assistant Certificate (PDF)
	March 1973 – July 1974	Johannes Turmair High School, Straubing	Diocesan Minor Seminary, Straubing
	30 July - 10 September 1973			Emergency Medical Rescue Service in Würzburg
	10 - 15 September 1973			Teacher training course (for First Aid)
		Spring 1974	Nursing assistant training. Training certificate (PDF)
	1 August - 14 September 1974			Emergency Medical Rescue Service in Würzburg
	September 1974 – May 1976	Augustinus-High School, Weiden -> Matriculation	Diocesan Minor Seminary, Weiden
		September 1974 - May 1976	Attended Augustinus-Gymnasium, Weiden, culminating in the Abitur.	Diocesan Minor Seminary, Weiden.
	13 September 1974			Passed the written paramedic examination of Malteser Hilfsdienst Würzburg with the grade “good”; practical training in patient transport, emergency rescue and instruction. Examination certificate (PDF)
18 September 1974			Plaque of gratitude and acknowledgement in bronze by Malteser Hilfsdienst Award certificate (PDF)
	24 March - 5 April 1975			Emergency Medical Rescue Service in Rötz
	20 April 1975			Training as a paramedic completed Certificate (PDF)
	26 August -9 September 1975			Emergency Medical Rescue Service in Rötz
	21 June 1975			Appointment as a group leader of Malteser Hilfsdienst in Regensburg Appointment certificate (PDF)
	May 1976	Matriculation at Augustinus-High School Weiden
	24 June 1976			Appointment as a platoon leader of Malteser Hilfsdienst in Weiden Appointment certificate (PDF)
	21-26 August 1976			Emergency Medical Rescue Service in Rötz
	September 1976			Training authorisation for the training of nursing assistants and paramedics and appointment as a nursing tutor
	1 September 1976 - 31 March 1978			Head of the Diocesan nursing department of Malteser Hilfsdienst in Regensburg
	1976 - 1978	Study of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Regensburg	Admittance to the Major Seminary at Regensburg as a candidate for the priesthood
	Winter semester 1976 - winter semester 1978	Studied Philosophy and Theology at the University of Regensburg (intermediate diploma examination).	Entered the Regensburg Seminary.
	29 August -16 September 1977			Emergency Medical Rescue Service in Timmendorfer Strand
	1977/78			Member of the Conference of Delegates of Malteser Hilfsdienst
	20 March 1978		Commissioning as a lector
	21 March 1978		Commissioning as an acolyte
	1 March - 31 October 1979	Study at the St. Georgen University of Philosophy and Theology at Frankfurt/Main		Head of the Diocesan nursing department of Malteser Hilfsdienst in Limburg and deputy of the Diocesan- (Limburg) and Provincial managing director (Hessen)
	30 March 1979	Training authorisation in ABC protection
	18 September 1979	Silver plaque of gratitude and recognition from Malteser Hilfsdienst Award certificate (PDF)
	1979 - 1981	Studied Theology at the University of Regensburg, graduating as "Diplomtheologe Univ." [English equivalent: Master of Theology] (diploma thesis: "The novelty in the spiritual tradition of the Order of St. John")	Chairman of the "Mission Circle at Regensburg Seminary"
	1981 - 1982	Postgraduate study at the University of Regensburg in preparation for the ecclesiastical Cura examination	Pastoral placement at St. Joseph's Parish in Dingolfing
	Winter semester 1981 - summer semester 1982	Further studies at the University of Regensburg, leading to the ecclesiastical Cura examination.	Pastoral placement at St Joseph’s Parish, Dingolfing.
	27 February 1982		Ordained deacon at St. Pius' Church in Landshut by Bishop Dr. Rudolf Graber
	27 February – 25 June 1982		Assigned as deacon to St. Joseph's Parish in Dingolfing
	26 June 1982		Ordained priest at Regensburg Cathedral by Bishop Dr. Rudolf Graber Certificate of priestly ordination (original scan)
	3 July 1982		First Mass at St. Cecilia's Church in Regensburg
	1 September 1982		Joined St. Ottilien Archabbey as a postulant of the Missionary Benedictines
	14 September 1982		Admitted to the novitiate of St. Ottilien Archabbey of the Missionary Benedictines; received the religious name Gerhard.
	3 September 1983	Book "Die Ordensregel der Johanniter/Malteser" [The Rule of the Order of St. John/Malta] published by EOS Verlag at St. Ottilien Archabbey
	15 September 1983		Temporary profession as a monk of St. Ottilien Archabbey Certificate of profession (original scan)
	followed by		Pastoral work at the retreat house and as a School Chaplain and teacher for religious instructions at Rhabanus-Maurus-High School in St. Ottilien
	from 1984	Two-year training at the Institute of the religious orders for missionary pastoral and spirituality as a youth chaplain, meditation director and in pastoral psychology		Basic and advanced training of youth brigade leaders Advanced-training certificate 1984 (PDF) Basic-course certificate 1984 (PDF)
	19 December 1984			Appointment as the district (Landsberg am Lech) and municipal (St. Ottilien) director of Malteser Hilfsdienst Appointment certificate (PDF)
	3 - 5 May 1985	Training course for youth group leaders in Violau.		Malteser Hilfsdienst. Certificate (PDF)
	21 May 1985	Gold plaque of gratitude and acknowledgement from Malteser Hilfsdienst Award certificate (PDF)
	19 - 26 April 1986	First Aid refresher training in Augsburg.		Malteser Hilfsdienst. Certificate (PDF)
	8 June 1986	Paramedic and instructor refresher training at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich.		Malteser Hilfsdienst. Certificate (PDF)
	14 September 1986		Solemn profession as a monk of St. Ottilien Archabbey Certificate of profession (original scan)
	6 January 1987		Formally commissioned as a missionary to Zululand, South Africa, and assigned to Inkamana Abbey in the Diocese of Eshowe
	February 1987 - June 1990		Chaplain in Mahlabathini (10 February 1987–February 1988 and July 1988–June 1990; during March–June 1988 weekday service in the administration of Inkamana Abbey, while retaining the pastoral link with Mahlabathini)
	12 September 1990			Death of his mother, Mathilde (“Thilde”) Lagleder.
	October 1990 - 1997		Parish priest of Mangete
	April 1991 - 26 July 2001		Parish priest of Mandeni
	28 October 1992			Founding of the "Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard" in South Africa as a relief organisation of the Order of Malta Film about the foundation
	5 November 1992			First official meeting after the foundation with Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase in Eshowe; oral recognition and blessing of the Brotherhood and constitution of its first Executive Council. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	18 December 1992			Establishment of the Blessed Gérard’s Poor Sick Fund.
	4 January 1993			Establishment of the Blessed Gérard’s Relief Fund.
	6 January 1993			Early coordinated planning for infant nutrition, home-economics training, community development and hospice care. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	March 1993			Opening of the Malnutrition Clinic
		19 April 1993			Opening of the first home-economics course and, in the same month, the sewing school in Mandeni.
	20 April 1993			Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase granted canonical juridical personality and permission to use the designation Catholic; on the same date the Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta approved the Brotherhood as its first relief organisation in Africa. Contemporary record (HTML web version)
May 1993			Opening of the Community Development Centre and Club for the Elderly
	15 May 1993			Opening of the Blessed Gérard’s Friendship Club for older people, initially known as the “Twilight Club”; historical invitations document the first local meetings on 20 June in Mangete and 23 June in Mandeni.
	20 September 1994			Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase recommended the Brotherhood’s early work and supported plans for the oWhebede pre-school and the Care Centre in Mandeni.
	24 October 1994			Investiture into the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as a Magistral Chaplain
	December 1994			Launch of the AIDS Education programme
	20 July 1995			Confirmation from Rome of recognition and registration as the first relief organisation of the Order of Malta in Africa, number 1/AF.
	29 July 1995			Opening of the Pre-Primary School and Crèche
	26 January 1996			Activation of a detailed disaster-response plan for a predicted severe Tugela flood; 31 local members were ready for deployment.
	23 May 1996		Ecclesiastically authenticated bone relic of Blessed Gérard of Martigues; the authentication was issued in Rome under registration number 2. Authentication (original scan)	A spiritual link between his patron saint and the later Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
	25 June 1996			Early digital internationalisation: Michael Ayers became the first Brotherhood member recruited through the internet. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	3 September 1996			Consecration of Blessed Gérard’s Church and opening of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre. Grand Commander Frà Ludwig Hoffmann von Rumerstein officially presented the relic of Blessed Gérard of Martigues. Consecration and opening Mass (video) · Opening function (video)
	1996 - 9 September 2002		Dean of the Eshowe Deanery
	5 May 1998			The Care Centre was incorporated into the iSithebe AIDS Committee’s work as a centre for HIV/AIDS education, counselling, home care and hospice care. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	7 July 1998 - 2002		Delegate of Inkamana Abbey at the African Regional Conference of the Missionary Benedictines
	September 1998 - July 2001		Delegate of Inkamana Abbey at the African Wing of the "Think Tank" of the Missionary Benedictines
	March 1999			Opening First Aid and Emergency Service
	15 April 1999			The Executive Council unanimously established Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service.
	13 May 1999			Death of his father, Hans Lagleder, in Geiersberg.
	18 May 1999			Father Gérard celebrated his father’s Requiem, funeral and burial in Altötting.
	26 June 1999			Bishop Mansuet Biyase blessed the new service and its equipment.
	March 2000			Opening Disaster Relief Project: Deployment at the Flood Disaster in Mozambique
		14 March - 9 April 2000			International flood-disaster deployment in Mozambique supporting the Malteser Hilfsdienst and ECOM operation near Chibuto. Contemporary project page
		15 May 2000			Unanimous formal Executive Council resolution to establish Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home in response to children abandoned or orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. Children’s Home history
	May 2000			Opening of the Children's Home
	9 July 2000			Official inauguration of the temporary Children’s Home project and of the Blessed Gérard’s Disaster Relief Project by Grand Hospitaller Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager. Children’s Home history
16–30 September 2000			First-aid service for the Vatican during the Holy Year; a staggered ten-member Brotherhood team served in St Peter’s Square and at the three patriarchal basilicas of St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul Outside the Walls.
October 2000		Delegate of Inkamana Abbey at the General Chapter of the Missionary Benedictines
	22 January 2001		Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase supported the planned construction of Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home.	The Bishop explicitly grounded the need for the Children’s Home in the AIDS epidemic and the growing number of orphaned and especially vulnerable children.
	23 January 2001			The Grand Hospitaller confirmed the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard as a relief organisation of the Order of Malta with its own financial and economic autonomy.
	Since 4 April 2001		Chairman of the AIDS Committee of the Diocese of Eshowe
		7 April 2001			At the Tugela Raft Race, Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service treated 56 patients; the contemporary operational report credits the team with saving two lives.
		12 July 2001			Lida Wammes became the first volunteer from the Netherlands and the first recruited through an internet volunteer organisation. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
26 July 2001		Assigned by Inkamana Abbey and the Diocese of Eshowe to serve exclusively as president of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard
31 August - 7 September 2001			Head of Delegation of The Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
	13 September 2001			Formal establishment of the President’s Council; Dr Peter Martinez and Dr Roux Martinez were appointed as its first members. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	11 November 2001			The Care Centre introduced its first waiting list for patient admission as demand for hospice and AIDS care increased. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	26 November 2001			The South African Bureau of Heraldry formally registered the Brotherhood’s coat of arms, reference H4/3/1/3953.
	3 March 2002			Inkamana Abbey supported fundraising while confirming the Care Centre’s complete organisational and financial independence. Original letter.
	7 March 2002			Official recognition (PDF) of the Benedictine Congregation of St. Ottilien as sponsor of two alternative-service placements at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre and Hospice in Mandeni.
	25 April 2002			Legal establishment of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre as an autonomous body; Father Gérard became its Chairperson.
	26 August - 4 September 2002			Head of Delegation of The Sovereign Military Order of Malta at the United Nations' World Summit on Sustainable Development
	Since 9 September 2002		Vice Dean of Eshowe Deanery
	15 December 2002			Bishop Mansuet Biyase and Grand Commander Frà Ludwig Hoffmann von Rumerstein blessed and opened the new Children’s Home building. Children’s Home history
	29 March 2003			First Aid deployment at the Tugela Raft Race with Provincial Emergency Medical Rescue Service, Stanger Hospital and the National Sea Rescue Institute; the Council report again records a life saved.
	10 June 2003			Rooms were prepared for a proposed Provincial Emergency Medical Rescue Service base. The local manager’s oral arrangement was overruled; no lease was concluded, no ambulance station opened and no government ambulance personnel moved in.
	10 June - 4 July 2003			One refresher course and three complete First Aid courses for active Brotherhood members.
	2 July 2003			Section 18A recognition for tax-deductible donations to Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	September 2003			Blessed Gérard's Hospice was asked by the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference to become a treatment centre for AIDS patients in Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART). Start of the Blessed Gérard’s Hospice HAART Programme
	Since 28 October 2003		Honorary member of the Association of promoters of the Lourdes Pilgrimages (The association was dissolved on 25 July 2026)
	1 January 2004			Emergency response to a serious N2 road accident; Father Gérard subsequently appealed for unhindered ambulance passage through the Mandeni toll plaza.
	10 - 12 February 2004			Basic training in HIV/AIDS Management through the Foundation for Professional Development of the South African Medical Association.
	Since February 2004			Member of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society
		9 March 2004			Full-day visit by Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM to inspect and receive a presentation on the Care Centre’s services.
	18 - 19 March 2004			Advanced training in antiretroviral treatment through the HIV/AIDS Clinicians Society.
		1 April 2004			Beginning of the organisational and clinical preparation phase of the HAART Programme.
		24 May - 11 June 2004			Two further full First Aid courses, each ending with an examination.
2 - 23 June 2004			First preparatory course held for clinical personnel and AIDS patients about Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) for the Provincial Hospital in Stanger/KwaDukuza.
12 - 16 July 2004			First formal HAART Treatment Counsellors’ Training held for clinical personnel and the first HAART readiness course for AIDS patients at Blessed Gérard's Hospice.
	25 August 2004			Accreditation of Blessed Gérard’s Hospice as an antiretroviral treatment centre by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
7 September 2004			The first AIDS patient started antiretroviral treatment through Blessed Gérard's Hospice HAART Programme
	18 September 2004			Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM was formally received into the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
	19 September - 22 November 2004			A 62-day European fundraising and accountability journey for the Children’s Home, Hospice and HAART Programme: 23 homilies, almost 13,000 kilometres by car, 66 presentations, one television interview, four radio interviews and three press interviews.
	31 December 2004			Following the tsunami, the Brotherhood sent urgent medicines to Madras and Bangkok; active members also assisted a crisis-intervention team caring for returning survivors.
	22 March 2005			Vocational Service Award of the Rotary Club of Mandeni for service to the local community.
	21 June 2005			Promoted to the rank of Conventual Chaplain ad honorem of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
		1 July 2005			Death of Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase, who had granted canonical recognition to the Brotherhood in 1992.
		2 July 2005			Fiftieth birthday.
	5 July 2005			Father Severin Pschorn OSB was admitted to Blessed Gérard’s Hospice as a patient and appointed Hospice Chaplain.
8 July 2005			Conferral of the "Jubilee Medal of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V." for his service in the Malteser Hilfsdienst
2 August 2005 - 2 September 2008			Member of the management committee of the Hospice Association of KwaZulu-Natal (HAKZN)
	20 - 21 August 2005			First Aid duty at the diocesan pilgrimage to Fatima near Empangeni.
	14 October 2005			Death of his confrère, teacher and friend, Father Severin Pschorn OSB at Blessed Gérard’s Hospice.
	16 October 2005			Solemn investiture as Conventual Chaplain ad honorem during the Feast of Blessed Gérard in Mandeni.
	17 October 2005			Burial of Father Severin Pschorn OSB at Inkamana Abbey.
	2 November 2005			Beginning of professional preparation of the Hospice for COHSASA accreditation with support from the Hospice Palliative Care Association.
	24 - 25 February 2006			Represented South Africa at the Africa Conference of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Yaoundé, Cameroon
	4 January 2006			First state registration of Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Welfare and Population Development in terms of Section 30(1) of the Child Care Act No. 74 of 1983; reference 10/1/6/2/-UR-01, approved capacity 40 children.
	17 March 2006			Blessed Gérard’s Hospice was admitted to the national Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa; the HAART Programme was caring for 105 patients.
	6 April 2006			Death of Brotherhood co-founder Clare Kalkwarf — a central loss and turning point.
	18 April 2006			Requiem and burial of Clare Kalkwarf with Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier attending.
	19 April 2006			A Natal mahogany tree was planted beside Clare Kalkwarf’s grave as a sign of remembrance and new beginning.
	20 April 2006			Leadership reorganisation: Dr Paul Thabethe became Vice-President and Father Gérard additionally became Administrator of Goods.
	3 September 2006			Tenth anniversary of the opening of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre and consecration of Blessed Gérard’s Church.
	15 October 2006			Tenth-anniversary celebration of the Care Centre, recording more than 3,500 patients treated and 1,818 Brotherhood members.
	13 November 2006			Blessing of Bishop Mansuet Biyase’s tomb in Eshowe.
	6 January 2007			Twentieth anniversary of his commissioning as a missionary to South Africa.
	22 - 23 January 2007			First COHSASA baseline assessment of Blessed Gérard’s Hospice, with a favourable assessment.
	21 March 2007			Celebration of the silver jubilee of priestly ordination at Inkamana Abbey.
	6 and 9 April 2007			First anniversary and memorial Mass for Clare Kalkwarf; unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the Care Centre.
	27 May 2007			Celebration of the silver jubilee of priestly ordination in Regensburg.
	24 June 2007			Silver jubilee celebration in Mandeni; reception of Father Sipho Gamede, Susanne Stauffer and Deacon Thomas Müller as Dedicated Members of the Brotherhood.
	26 June 2007			First birth at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre during the nationwide nursing strike; additional patients were admitted from Stanger Hospital.
	6 July 2007			Construction began on the major extension comprising a dedicated HAART Clinic, additional Children’s Home accommodation, community rooms and functional facilities.
	18–19 August 2007		Annual diocesan pilgrimage to Fatima.	First-aid duty by Blessed Gérard’s First Aid and Emergency Service.
	3 - 10 September 2007			Death and burial of Hospice Chaplain Father Herfried Holzgassner OSB; death, Requiem and burial of Sipho Qeda, the first child from the Children’s Home to die.
	29 September - 10 October 2007			Participation in the Order of Malta pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
	14 and 28 October 2007			Celebration and fifteenth anniversary of the Brotherhood’s foundation.
	1 December 2007			World AIDS Day “Festival of Life” with about 70 HAART patients.
	21 February 2008			Unanimously confirmed as President of the Brotherhood; Father Siphosenkosi Titus Gamede elected Vice-President.
	24 March 2008			Renewal of Benedictine vows at Inkamana on the silver jubilee of monastic profession.
	27 April 2008 - 16 May 2010		Board member of the Catholic Health Care Association of South Africa (CATHCA)
	9 May 2008			Establishment of the "Bruderschaft des Seligen Gerhard e.V." as a German society supporting the South African Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
	2 June 2008			Voluntary HIV counselling and testing began at the Care Centre, connecting education, diagnosis, treatment readiness and treatment more closely. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	6 and 22 June 2008			Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo blessed the extensions and new members; the enlarged Children’s Home facilities, new HAART Clinic and administrative and functional rooms were formally opened.
	29 July 2008			Named a "Paul Harris Fellow" by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International at the request of the Rotary Club of Mandeni "in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world." Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	15 July and 21 November 2008			Court orders transferred a further 21 children into the care of Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home.
	8 and 19 August 2008			Leadership of First Aid, emergency and disaster services transferred to Wiseman Qinisani Zulu; Dr Khayelihle Nzimande appointed head of the Hospice.
	16 - 17 August 2008			First Aid duty at the diocesan pilgrimage to Fatima near Empangeni.
	18 September 2008			Governance restructuring following rapid growth: revival of the President’s Council, creation of a Board of Auditors, and clearer financial authorisation limits. Contemporary minutes (HTML web version)
	10 November 2008			Axel Pape became Managing Director of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	1 December 2008			Second World AIDS Day “Festival of Life” with about 80 HAART patients.
	16 December 2008			Susanne Stauffer concluded more than four years of full-time voluntary service in Mandeni.
	1 January 2009		Appointed Diocesan Caritas Director and HIV/AIDS Coordinator (Diocese of Eshowe)
	13 February 2009		Elected delegate of Inkamana Abbey to the Council of the Religious of the Diocese of Eshowe
	19 March – 28 August 2009			Intensive radio work on AIDS relief and the South African mission, including interviews and features on NDR, Antenne Bayern, Radio Charivari, Radio Horeb and Vatican Radio.
	2 April 2009			The relief funds, Malnutrition Clinic, pre-school, First Aid and Emergency Service and Disaster Relief were integrated into Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre as the Brotherhood’s comprehensive operational branch in Mandeni.
	2 May 2009			A second off-road vehicle was handed over for monthly HAART home visits and adherence support.
	23 June 2009			Blessing of the newly established Benedictine sisters’ convent at the Care Centre; the sisters served in childcare, nursing, pastoral care and housekeeping.
	23 September 2009			The Sovereign Order of Malta issued a postage stamp depicting Blessed Gérard’s Pre-Primary School in oWhebede.
	15 October 2009			Updated constitution of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre signed, confirming its autonomous non-profit legal personality and shared governance by Director and Council.
	1 December 2009			World AIDS Day motivation campaign in local factories addressing fear of HIV testing, stigma and delayed treatment.
	17 December 2009			Financial forecast prompted a strategic turn toward stronger South African fundraising, shared leadership responsibility and a major Facebook initiative.
	18 January 2010 - 28 February 2011		Cellarer of Inkamana Abbey
		18 May 2010			Sister Thecla Gamede OSB became the third sister in the Care Centre convent, serving in the sacristy, patient visitation and catechesis.
	1 June 2010			Dr Khayelihle Nzimande became Acting Managing Director of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	27 June 2010			Father Sithembiso Ngcobo was received into the Brotherhood; Father Ngcobo and Yvonne Renaud joined the Care Centre Council.
	1 July 2010			Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre registered as an autonomous Non-Profit Organisation, number 080-935-NPO. Registration certificate.
	15 - 25 July 2010			Represented the Order of Malta’s South African AIDS work at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna.
	1 August 2010			Simiso Ntobela assumed leadership of Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home.
	6 September 2010			Sven Anderson became Managing Director of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	10 October 2010			Investiture of Dr Andreas Heinze as an Honorary Dedicated Member.
	2 December 2010			Re-elected President of the Brotherhood for the term ending 1 December 2012.
	18 January 2011			Announcement that PEPFAR funding would end; launch of a major fundraising and negotiation campaign to safeguard treatment for more than 430 AIDS patients.
	28 February 2011			Concluded service as Cellarer of Inkamana Abbey to devote full attention to the endangered AIDS programme in Mandeni.
	13 January – 13 August 2011			Extensive radio and television campaign in Germany and Austria about the mission and the AIDS, hospice and child-care work, including the Radio Ramasuri interview on 26 May.
	24 July 2011			Investiture of Dr Khayelihle Nzimande as a Dedicated Member and celebration of the Care Centre’s fifteenth anniversary with Abbot Godfrey Sieber OSB.
	16 October 2011			President’s Award presented to Abbot Godfrey Sieber OSB; Nontobeko Ndwande received as the Brotherhood’s 2,500th member.
12 November 2011			Election as a member of the Executive Committee (board) of the Palliative Care Society of South Africa (PCSSA)
	1 December 2011			World AIDS Day celebrated as a “Festival of Life” with patients of the AIDS Treatment Programme.
	6 December 2011			Second star achieved in the COHSASA quality-accreditation process.
	16 December 2011			Bavarian Television feature for the Sternstunden appeal on paediatric palliative care in South Africa (video).
	19 - 24 March 2012			Inspection of the Brotherhood by Guy Count Moy for the Order of Malta (report, PDF); the very positive report supported later advocacy and fundraising.
	1 April 2012			The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health began supplying antiretroviral medicines, assuming roughly one third of treatment costs.
	10–11 June 2012		Masses with homilies in Schondorf and Utting.	Information evening in Peiting, “A Victory over AIDS in Africa”, supporting the Hospice, Children’s Home and AIDS Treatment Programme.
	16 June 2012			Cross “pro piis meritis” pro Merito Melitensi.
	26 June 2012			Mass for the thirtieth anniversary of priestly ordination at Niedermünster Church in Regensburg.
	27–28 June 2012			Presentations on the AIDS work in Postmünster and at the University of Regensburg.
	29 August 2012			Radio Klassik Stephansdom broadcast “A Victory in the Fight against AIDS in Africa” (audio).
	30 September 2012			Aid to the Church in Need feature, “South Africa – The Catholic Church in the Fight against AIDS” (video).
	28 October 2012			Twentieth-anniversary Mass of the Brotherhood; investiture of Hans-Peter and Maresi Rehder and presentation of awards.
	1 March 2013			Publication of the English biographical portrait “The Four M’s of Father Gérard” by Dr Ruth Stark.
	18 May 2013			Mission presentation “The Miraculous Multiplication of Money” at the Catholic parish centre in Utting.
	19 May 2013		Pentecost Mass with homily at Holy Cross Church in Schondorf.
	1 June 2013			Vatican Radio report on the HIV/AIDS programme of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
	16 July 2013			Vatican Radio feature, “Caring for AIDS Patients in South Africa in Times of Financial Change”.
	28 July 2013			Radio Veritas programme The Melting Pot about the work of the Brotherhood.
	4 October 2013		Visit of the Missionary Benedictines’ Congregation Council to Mandeni.
	12 October 2013			Feast of Blessed Gérard with Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo; blessing of the Children’s Home wing, football field, parking extension and Blessed Gérard’s Community Centre.
	8 - 14 April 2014			Official visit of Grand Master Frà Matthew Festing to the Brotherhood and its institutions in Mandeni.
	13 April 2014			Palm Sunday Mass with Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo; the Grand Master became an Honorary Dedicated Member. Celebration of twenty years of HIV/AIDS work and ten years of AIDS treatment.
	14 April 2014			Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, Bishop Xolelo Kumalo, Dr Paul and Mrs Nokuthula Thabethe, Yvonne Renaud and Dr Khayelihle Nzimande were received into the Order of Malta.
	4 May 2014			Biographical interview “Christ Is My All in All …” for Die Malteser, covering vocation, mission, apartheid, AIDS work and spirituality.
	28 May 2014			Television interview with Michael Mandlik at the German Catholic Convention in Regensburg for the Bavarian Television programme Stationen.
	23–28 August 2014			Filming with Ingo Langner in Mandeni for the documentary The Face of Christ.
	12 October 2014		Feast of Blessed Gérard.	Awards presented to members and employees of the Brotherhood.
	18 November 2014			Orlando Pirates donated 500,000 South African rand to the work.
	23 December 2014			Re-elected President of the Brotherhood for 2015 and 2016; a new Executive Council was elected (minutes, PDF).
	1 January 2015			Twentieth anniversary of Blessed Gérard’s Pre-Primary School and Crèche.
	7 - 8 February 2015			Visit by Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer and a delegation from the Diocese of Regensburg, including Sunday Mass, blessing of the sick and inspection of the Care Centre.
	12 - 26 February 2015			Photographic artist Anselm Skogstad documented the Brotherhood’s work and local community life.
	20 - 22 March 2015			Represented South Africa at the International "Communicators Forum" of the Order of Malta in Rome
	27 May 2015			Represented South Africa at the symposium "Religions Together for Humanitarian Action" of the Order of Malta at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
	5 April 2015			Bavarian Television broadcast the film The Face of Christ.
	18 October 2015			Feast of Blessed Gérard with reception of new members; President’s Award for Portia Zinhle Zulu and Employee of the Year award for Fikile Siphiwe Mashaya.
	10 June 2016			Premiere in Stuttgart of the Mandeni image film Where Misery Is Met by Love (video).
	3 September 2016			Twentieth anniversary of Blessed Gérard’s Church and Care Centre; President’s Awards for Lindeni Princess Mwandla and Mlungisi Mthokozisi Xulu.
	29 October - 12 November 2016			First-aid service for the Vatican during the “Year of Mercy”
		5 November 2016			Resolution to transfer German reserves into a spend-down foundation (PDF); Father Gérard was mandated to implement it.
	10 - 12 November 2016		Represented Inkamana Abbey at the XXXI International Conference of the Pontifical Council for Healthcare Workers "Towards a Culture of Health that Is Welcoming and Supportive at the Service of People with Rare and Neglected Pathologies" at the Vatican
25 - 27 November 2016			Represented South Africa at the International "Communicators Forum" of the Order of Malta in Rome.
	23 December 2016 / 6 January 2017			Form 49 registration of Blessed Gérard’s Child and Youth Care Centre, number 10/1/6/2-31-DR, with approved capacity for 70 children. Registration certificate.
	17 - 18 March 2017			Represented South Africa at the XXV International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Paris
	2 June 2017			Establishment of the "Bruderschaft des Seligen Gerhard Stiftung" (Foundation to support the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard)
	28 - 29 October 2017			Twenty-fifth anniversary of the Brotherhood in Mandeni with Mass, reception of members, jubilee medals and awards.
	28 October 2017			Awarded the Deployment Medal of Malteser Hilfsdienst
	17 - 18 November 2017			European twenty-fifth-anniversary celebration at St Magdalena in Altötting.
	27 November 2017			Radio Klassik Stephansdom interview in Vienna.
	5 / 15 December 2017			Interview with Bavarian Broadcasting, subsequently aired on Eins zu eins. Der Talk.
	14 March 2018			Signing of the consolidated amended constitution of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre, confirming its legal status, governance and NPO registration.
	22 - 25 March 2018			Represented South Africa at the XXVI International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Budapest.
		July - November 2018			An international appeal bridged a shortage of antiretroviral medicines until full provincial supply resumed.
	5 - 7 October 2018			Represented South Africa at the International "Communicators Forum" of the Order of Malta in Rome.
18 October 2018		Member of the metropolitan/provincial Caritas Working Committee
	5 November 2018			Publication of the Order of Malta portrait “South Africa: a work that shapes lives and saves lives”.
	20 - 25 March 2019			Represented South Africa at the XXVII International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Rome.
	13 July - 7 September 2019	Attended the Christian Business Leadership Course at St. Augustine College of South Africa in Johannesburg
		13 October 2019			Maresi Rehder received as a Dedicated Member; since April 2019 she had also served as Communications Officer.
7 December 2019			Award of the anniversary badge for 50 years membership in Malteser Hilfsdienst.
	From 28 March 2020			Daily celebration and livestreaming of Mass from Blessed Gérard’s Chapel after public worship was suspended during the Covid-19 lockdown.
	31 March 2020			Public statement on the impending Covid-19 wave (video): protecting 40 hospice patients and 55 children and providing almost 700 AIDS patients with two months of antiretroviral medication.
	1 April 2020 - 31 March 2023			Three-year service and funding framework with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development. The surviving Service Level Agreement copy is unsigned and lacks its schedules.
	From 6 May 2020			Large Covid-19 food programme established for indigent Home Care and AIDS patients and their families.
	1–15 December 2020		Death of long-serving Dedicated Member Yvonne Joye Renaud on 1 December; Requiem Mass celebrated by the Council on 15 December.	Maresi Rehder was elected Acting Administrator of Goods on 13/14 December and accepted the election on 14 December. Editorial source extract (PDF) →
	21 / 26 January 2021			Beginning of supported youth accommodation for older boys and girls leaving the Children’s Home.
	26 May 2021			Covid-19 vaccination began at Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	12 - 19 July 2021			Hospice and Children’s Home remained operational during severe unrest and looting in Mandeni.
	20 April - 27 July 2021			Canonical amendment of the Brotherhood’s statutes, including formal correction of the designation Supervisory Board.
	25 July 2021			The Diocese of Eshowe confirmed the Brotherhood’s right to operate the pre-school and crèche on the eNkanyezi Catholic Church property in oWhebede.
	11 August 2021			Food deliveries resumed after a four-week security interruption during the KwaZulu-Natal unrest.
	3 September 2021			Twenty-fifth anniversary of Blessed Gérard’s Church and Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	19 October 2021			Unanimous adoption of the Leadership Policy defining the Brotherhood’s governance role and delegation of operational responsibilities.
	23 December 2021			Renewal of the Child and Youth Care Centre registration until 22 December 2026; approved capacity 65 children at 61, 65 and 69 Anderson Road, Mandeni. Renewal certificate.
	1 February 2022			Dr Douglas Patrick Ross became Managing Director of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	18 February 2022			Municipal occupancy certificate number 2/0218 issued for the Brotherhood of Blessed Gerard Creche in oWhebede.
	25 - 27 March 2022			Represented South Africa at the XXVIII International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Rome.
	11 April 2022			Severe KwaZulu-Natal floodwaters entered the Hospice, but operations continued.
	17 April - 16 July 2022			First major post-pandemic fundraising and speaking journey through Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland.
	10 July 2022			Fortieth anniversary of priestly ordination – homily in Falkenberg (video).
	21 July 2022			Adoption of the constitution of Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre, providing a framework for separate legal personality. Constitution and registration documents (PDF).
	16 August 2022			The Council accepted the external auditor’s recommendation to develop a succession plan.
	23 - 25 September 2022			Represented South Africa at the International "Communicators Forum" of the Order of Malta in Rome.
	28 - 30 October 2022			Thirtieth anniversary of the Brotherhood in Mandeni, with Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM, reception of new members and recognition of long service.
	8 - 13 January 2023			Visit by Bishop Jean Clément Laffitte, Prelate of the Order of Malta, to the pastoral and charitable work in Mandeni.
	10 March 2023			Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre registered as an autonomous Non-Profit Organisation, number 288-749 NPO.
	24 - 25 March 2023			Represented South Africa at the XXIX International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in London.
	6 / 8 April 2023			First Holy Communion of eight Children’s Home children on Holy Thursday and baptism of eleven children at the Easter Vigil.
	18 / 19 April 2023			Father Gérard, as Director and Council Chairperson, granted Dr Douglas Patrick Ross written authority for the Care Centre’s operational affairs.
	17 May / 20 - 27 July 2023			Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM authorised drilling on diocesan land; a borehole was drilled beside the Community Centre to secure water supply.
	27 July 2023			Blessing and opening of a new Care Centre ambulance funded by the Order of Malta’s Global Fund for Forgotten People.
	15 September 2023			Fortieth anniversary of monastic profession celebrated in Mandeni with Prior Ambrose Mshengu OSB.
	29 January - 5 February 2024			Royal Film Company filmed the current work, producing ten German and ten English films.
	1 / 2 February 2024			Reopening of the renovated Early Childhood Development Centre, followed by occupation of four family-style Children’s Home units.
	20 February 2024			Establishment of the "Bruderschaft des Seligen Gerhard" in Austria as a society supporting the South African Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
	16 - 17 March 2024			Represented South Africa at the XXX International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Krakow.
	From 19 March 2024			Operation of the expanded hybrid energy system with photovoltaic panels, battery storage and an emergency generator, providing a reliable power supply for Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre.
	24 May 2024		Classification as Chief Chaplain of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard within the international chaplaincy of the Order of Malta.
	12 July 2024		Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM blessed the renovated Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre.	Official reopening of the renovated centre in oWhebede following modernisation of the classrooms and kitchen and redesign of the outdoor facilities.
	23 - 26 September 2024			Represented South Africa at the International "Conference of the Chief Chaplains" of the Order of Malta in Rome.
	10 October 2024			Announcement of retirement as Director of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre; at the Council’s request, continued in office until January 2025.
	15 January 2025		Continued service as President of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.	Handed over the directorship of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre to Thomas Vogel after more than 28 years.
	24 January 2025		Day journey across the Sani Pass to Lesotho.
	5 February 2025		Continued as President of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and as an adviser to the Care Centre Council.	Written confirmation of the transfer of the Care Centre directorship.
	27 February 2025			Adoption of a renewed constitution for Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre, strengthening its legal and organisational autonomy following the transfer of the directorship.
	8 March 2025		Day journey across the Sani Pass to Lesotho.
	4 - 6 April 2025			Represented South Africa at the XXXI International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Vienna.
	21 April - 14 July 2025		Mission awareness work and pastoral encounters in Europe; participation in the Swiss Order of Malta pilgrimage to Lourdes. The European journey included Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Luxembourg.
	5 May 2025			The South African Revenue Service confirmed the tax-exempt Public Benefit Organisation status of Blessed Gérard’s Early Childhood Development Centre, number 930084568; effective from 12 December 2024, with Section 18A recognition from 10 March 2025.
	24 June 2025			Member of the Council of Consultors to the Prelate of the Order of Malta
	14 October - 22 December 2025		Mission awareness work in Europe.	Fundraising and speaking tour to gain spiritual and material support for the South African work of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard.
	March 2026		Publication of the historical and spiritual study Blessed Gérard and his “Everlasting Brotherhood” — The Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem: Its Foundation and Spiritual Roots as a free online edition.
	21 - 22 March 2026			Represented South Africa at the XXXII International "Hospitallers' Conference" of the Order of Malta in Cologne.
	23 June 2026			Served as a panellist at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS side event, “WITH Africa, IN Africa: Ensuring Access to Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Treatment,” held in New York. https://youtu.be/EuMUbQa7MCM https://bbg.org.za/HAART.pdf
	6 September 2026			30th anniversary celebration of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre and Blessed Gérard’s Church. Official visit of the Grand Hospitaller of the Order of Malta, Major General Dr Josef D. Blotz. Investiture of Dr Douglas Patrick Ross as a Knight of Magistral Grace of the Order of Malta. The Commander’s Cross pro Merito Melitensi was awarded to Dr Paul Z. T. Thabethe, and the Cross with Crown pro Merito Melitensi to Mrs Nokuthula M. Thabethe.

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Order of Malta & Medical