Cologne. Malteser International is pleased to announce the appointment of the Most Reverend Dr. Everardus Johannes de Jong as the new Spiritual Advisor (Chaplain) of the organization. With the agreement of the Prelate of the Sovereign Order of Malta (SOM), the President has appointed Msgr. de Jong to this important role, in which he will oversee the religious and church-related interests of Malteser International.
The Spiritual Advisor is a member of the General Assembly, which consists of the delegates of the ordinary members, the members of the Board of Directors, the Grand Hospitaller, the Secretary General and their representative, as well as the delegates of the National Sponsoring Entities in an advisory capacity.
About Mgr. Dr. Everardus Johannes de Jong
Born on July 4, 1958, in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Msgr. de Jong began his academic journey in technical studies before entering the Major Seminary of Rolduc in 1976. He was ordained a priest in 1983 and later pursued advanced studies in philosophy, earning a licentiate from the Angelicum in Rome and a doctorate from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his career, Msgr. de Jong has combined pastoral service with academic leadership. He served as chaplain in Maasbracht, lecturer in philosophy at Rolduc, and head of youth and vocation ministry in the Diocese of Roermond. In 1998, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Roermond and consecrated in 1999. He also served on the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
Currently, Msgr. de Jong is pastor in Maastricht and, since June 2020, Apostolic Administrator of the Military Ordinariate of the Netherlands Armed Forces. His extensive experience in pastoral care, education, and interreligious dialogue will greatly enrich Malteser International’s mission to serve people in need worldwide.
