The new Grande Loge Nationale Régulière de la Principauté de Monaco will be consecrated February 18-19, 2011.
In June 2010, MW Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndback of the United Grand Lodge of England announced the upcoming formation of a new grand lodge in the tiny principality of Monaco. It will be formed from lodges already at work in the country of the UGLE and the United Grand Lodges of Germany.
UGLE's Port of Hercules Lodge No. 4626 was chartered in 1927, and meets quarterly in the Library of the English-speaking St. Paul's Anglican Church, at 22 Avenue de Grande Bretagne in Monaco.
Over the years, some Monegasque have also become Masons in lodges of the Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF) across the border in France, along with lodges chartered in Monaco by the United Grand Lodges of Germany.
GLNF Grand Master François Stifani made an attempt in 2009 to interest Prince Albert II in the fraternity, going so far as to offer him the position of Grand Master in a new grand lodge, but was rebuffed, according to several sources.
Monaco is a largely Catholic country, and at least one Church official has already weighed in on his displeasure over Masons in their midst. Bishop Rene Giuliano, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Monaco, has reminded his flock that Catholic membership in Freemasonry is still forbidden, but not exactly an excommunicable offense.
