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Passing of Fra’ Jean-Louis Mainguy, distinguished architect/interior designer and beloved spiritual figure in the Order of Malta

Jean-Louis Mainguy (11 October 1953-14 August 2025) was born in Beirut and died there this week. His distinguished work as an architect/interior designer and scenographer of spaces, stage and cinema, was recognised nationally and internationally. A recent, celebrated example was his work for the scenography for the major summer event, celebrating its centenary that year, of the Festival de Baalbeck 5 July 2020 – the Sound of Resilience concert – where he explained his approach to its design, which was based on his specific intention : “Let us rely on what we are, because it is the sum of everything we have been, to be able to embark on our future. It is only this return to essential things that can be witnesses to what we can be.”

Profoundly spiritual, he became a member of the Order of Malta in 2007 and took his Solemn Vows as a professed knight in 2014. He was a leading light in the Order’s spiritual and humanitarian mission. A man of deep philosophical reflection, he lived a spirituality which was both inspiring and impressive. It was a privilege to have known him and worked with him.
RIP