Ludwig Hoffmann-Rumerstein

Fra' Ludwig Hoffmann von Rumerstein (born January 21, 1937) is the former Grand Commander of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He was acting head of the order for some months in 2017.

Ludwig Hoffmann-Rumerstein
Grand Commander of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
In office 31 May 2014 – 1 May 2019
Monarch	Matthew Festing Giacomo dalla Torre
Preceded by	Carlo d'Ippolito di Sant'Ippolito
Succeeded by	Ruy Gonçalo do Valle Peixoto de Villas Boas
In office 1994–2004
Monarch	Andrew Bertie
Preceded by	Matthew Festing
Succeeded by	Giacomo dalla Torre
Lieutenant ad interim of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
In office 28 January 2017 – 30 April 2017
Preceded by	Matthew Festing
Succeeded by	Giacomo dalla Torre
Personal details
Born	Ludwig Franz Xaver Irenäus Joseph Peter Raimund Maria Hoffmann von Rumerstein January 21, 1937 Innsbruck, Federal State of Austria
Parents	Ernst Hoffman von Rumerstein Baroness Pia Riccabona von Reichenfels
Education	University of Innsbruck Pontifical Gregorian University

Early life

Hoffmann-Rumerstein is the son of Ernst Hoffmann von Rumerstein and of his wife, Baroness Pia Riccabona von Reichenfels.[1] He was baptised with the names Ludwig Franz Xaver Irenäus Joseph Peter Raimund Maria.[1]

Hoffmann-Rumerstein studied law at the University of Innsbruck graduating in 1962.[2] He then studied philosophy at the Pontifical Gregorian University. After he completed his military service, he practised as a lawyer in Innsbruck from 1970 to 2002.[2]

Order of Malta

Hoffmann-Rumerstein’s work with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta began as a volunteer. In 1968 he co-founded the Order’s Austrian volunteer corps in North Tyrol. In 1970 he joined the Order as a Knight of Honour and Devotion. From 1971 to 1979 he led the Order’s group of volunteers in Innsbruck. From 1979 to 1986 he was a member of the board of directors of the Malteser Hospitaldienst Austria (de).

In 1984 Hoffmann-Rumerstein took vows as a Knight of Justice. That same year he was elected a member of the Order’s Sovereign Council. He served as Grand Commander of the Order from 1994 to 2004. He was re-elected Grand Commander in 2014.[3]

From the end of January until the end of April 2017, Hoffmann-Rumerstein was the acting head of the Order, as Lieutenant ad interim, after the resignation of Fra' Matthew Festing as Prince and Grand Master[4][5] He retained this office until April 29, 2017, when the Complete Council of State elected Fra' Giacomo dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto as Lieutenant of the Grand Master for a period of one year.

Honours

• 1989: Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Sash of the Republic of Austria
• 1990: Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
• 1994: Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash of the Republic of Austria
• 1994: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
• 1998: Order of the White Double Cross, 2nd Class, of the Republic of Slovakia
• 1999: Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
• 2009: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary
• 2000: Honorary Companion with Breast Star of the National Order of Merit (Malta)
• 2004: Decoration of Honour of the State of Tyrol
• 2016: Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania
• Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius IX
• Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour

Notes

1. Genealogische Handbuch des Adels, Adelige Häuser B, 2002.
2. Grand Commander
3. "The Chapter General of the Sovereign Order of Malta was held in Rome". Order of Malta. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
4. "The Grand Master Fra' Matthew Festing resigns from office". Order of Malta. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
5. "Article 17. Extraordinary Government" (PDF). Constitutional Charter: 29-30. 27 June 1961. Retrieved 30 April 2020.