About Volunteers of the Order - Malta

VOTO (Volunteers of the Order) is instituted to enrol and organise its members, operating within the spirit and ideals of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), as a peripheral organisation thereof, particularly in the fields of spiritual, social and medical welfare, thereby upholding the values of SMOM's values of tuitio fidei and obsequium pauperum.

On application, one forms part of the aspirantate which usually lasts approximately one calendar year, during which period the aspirant is expected to participate in some of VOTO's Activities. VOTO holds several activities and events throughout the year.  Special emphasis is to be placed on the aspirants participation in the Order's Pilgrimages to Lourdes and Ta' Pinu in Gozo. 

At the end of the aspirantate, the aspirant may be invited to join VOTO by the Council to apply for full membership. The Council, together with the Spiritual Director shall then decide whether or not to admit the aspirant as a full member of VOTO.