The Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God has long recognised the need and desire for lay people to exercise greater leadership roles in the governance of the works and services of the West European Province, which includes Ireland. The Order also recognised that there was a desire of lay people to play an active and leadership role in promoting, expanding and furthering the mission and that lay people would bring particular and valued experience and expertise in meeting the needs of people and also enhance overall governance.
To support this vision, and mindful of the declining number of Brothers and their age profiles, a process was initiated with the primary aim of ensuring the continuation into the future, of the mission and work of the Order of Saint John of God.
This process led to the establishment in 2012 of the canonical body, Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries, a Ministerial Public Juridic Person (M-PJP).
Saint John of God Hospitaller Services Group (HSG) was incorporated in 2015 as the civil entity which, together with its subsidiary and related entities, would carry forward the purpose and mission of Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries. The establishment of these structures and the accompanying transition protects and ensures the continuation of the works and services being delivered by the various Saint John of God entities including those focused on disability and mental health. The Order welcomes the appointment of Mr Jerry Dempsey as CEO of HSG and wishes him well in his new role.
Since its incorporation, lay people have been welcomed onto the boards of HSG and its subsidiary and related entities, to the point where today they hold the vast majority of board positions. In that time the Brothers have reduced their representation on the boards and already some of the boards are comprised entirely of lay people.
Canonically and legally the work that has been undertaken means that the structures are in place for the continuation of the Order’s Mission by lay people.
The recent inclusion of Malawi Services into HSG and the commencement of the new Chairperson of the Malawi Board, Dr Lillian Chirwa, is the final step in this transition.
With the completion of the process and the reorganisation work carried out over the last 15 years, and with robust structures now in place to ensure the continuation of the mission of Saint John of God in Ireland, the Brothers of the West European Province are now in the process of passing on their remaining positions. Those positions include the boards of HSG and its subsidiaries, school boards of management, and also the board of the canonical body Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries. The Order is confident that its mission and services are in good hands.
Whilst the Brothers will no longer be involved in leadership they will be available to contribute in any way needed where possible.
The Brothers of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God West European Province have worked with the wider Saint John of God family to ensure the wellbeing needs of people were met. It was their vocation and honour to establish and develop services in the areas of Mental Health, Disability and Older Adults. The continuation of this work is a priority for them.
Throughout their time in the services and on the Boards the Brothers have seen the tremendous work by the Boards and the wider Saint John of God Family to meet emerging needs and make a real difference in people’s lives.
The Religious Order of Saint John of God extends its deep and heartfelt thanks to all in the wider Saint John of God family for their ongoing contributions, hard work and commitment to delivering the mission and meeting the wellbeing needs of the people who access services and their families. The Brothers are deeply grateful and appreciative.