An Exploratory Trip to Port Au Prince, Haiti Ur Board of Councillors Held a Lengthy, by Dr

HOSPITALLERS IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE SOVEREIGN MILITARY HOSPITALLER ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM OF RHODES AND OF MALTA ® Volume 1 Fall 2004 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION, U.S.A. ��

Fellow members of the American Association: An Exploratory Trip to Port au Prince, Haiti ur Board of Councillors held a lengthy, By Dr. Jeremiah Lowney productive meeting in early September, Oand as we head into the fall season, I can n August 1981, Bishop Daniel P. Reilly of the Diocese of Norwich, CT invited a group tell you that all is well in the American Association. of twelve people from his diocese to join him on an exploratory trip to Port au Prince, In the last issue of the Hospitallers, I enumer- IHaiti. He wanted them to determine what help people in the wealthiest state in the ated the initiatives we are taking to achieve the United States could extend to people living in the hemisphere’s poorest country. My son seven goals of our strategic plan. Judging from the Mark, then a pre-med student at Boston College, and I joined that pilgrimage which, for reports we received at the Board Meeting, we made good progress on our family, has become a lifelong commitment graced with miracles. all fronts during the summer months. The fi rst miracle was a cancer cure. The Bishop’s invitation for the February 1982 trip Of particular note are the gains we are making to improve com- was extended in August 1981. Three months later, I was diagnosed with cancer. October, munications. Our move to publish quarterly Hospitallers newsletters November and December were uncertain times fi lled with the emotional and physical has not only kept you well informed on current and planned events, challenges of radiation and surgery. The prognosis was but also has acquainted you with views of our chaplains, as well as not a hopeful one. I was told I was going to die. Still with our Malta works and ministries. Also, we are reinventing our web determined to join the group, I regained strength and, site, which will be unveiled at our Business Meeting in November. despite a 40 pound weight loss, ventured to Haiti in Our membership development efforts are paying off too. At our February with my son Mark’s assistance. Twenty-two Investiture in November, we will be bringing 106 high quality men years later I have no signs of cancer. and women into the Order, and there are even more in the queue for Before the trip, I consulted with other dentists who next year. had volunteered in Haiti and was told that the poor suf- Very importantly, the Board has unanimously voted to support the fered terribly from painful decayed and infected teeth that needed extraction. As I hadn’t extracted a tooth establishment of the SubPriory of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Ameri- in 19 years, I asked the help of an oral surgeon friend can Association. If approved by the Sovereign Council of the Order, and reviewed the basics. Off I went to Haiti with a borrowed exodontias kit and a prayer the sub-priory will include all of our members in the First and Second for Divine Guidance. On the second day, I visited a Home for the Dying in a Port au Prince class of the Order (Knights of Justice and Knights and Dames of Obe- slum called San Fil. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Sisters operated the home and dience). Its purpose will be not only to enhance the spirituality of the they welcomed me to relieve the pain of dental disease for patients in the hospice. I said to members of the sub-priory, but also to assist in the religious activities one of the sisters, “if you have anyone here that needs teeth extracted, I would like to help.” of all other members of the Association. And she said, “No one ever comes here. God must have sent you.” That was a heavy trip. At our recent meeting, after reviewing our fi nancial statements That comment was a life changing experience. And the miracles continued. When word and projections for 2005, the Board considered whether we should in- spread of my presence throughout San Fil, my son Mark and I treated hundreds of patients crease our annual “dues,” which have been held at the level of $1,250 in just one week. The line never ended. We left Haiti exhausted, but very fulfi lled. since 1997. The only reason for an increase would be to enable the I returned to Haiti three months later and have continued to visit at least four times Association to maintain the current level of grants in support of our a year for the past 22 years. For the fi rst few years, I worked at one of the Missionaries of works and ministries (about $1,150,000 in 2004), in spite of infl ation- Charity slum clinics, orphanages or hospices, extracting hundreds of teeth during each trip. ary cost increases. Without an increase of dues across the board, Several other volunteers and at least one of my children joined me each time. Every trip it appears that 2005 grants will be about 1 million. After a lengthy was unique; each had its own story. During one of the initial visits while working at one of discussion, the Board decided that we would not, at this time, enact Mother Teresa’s hospice for sick children, I saw this tiny baby lying in a crib. I felt drawn to a dues increase, which would be a burden on some of our members. pickpick hherer uup.p. AAfterfter a ffewew mminutesinutes ooff hholdingolding hher,er, sshehe ddiedied iinn mmyy aarmsrms – jjustust ddied.ied. MMyy eemo-mo- We also decided, however, that when we send out our dues notices in tions fl uctuated between profound sadness and November, we will ask our members to consider making additional, forceful anger. There was no reason for this child voluntary contributions to enable us to provide more grants in support to die. She only lacked what we, my family and of our members’ activities in 2005. Another U.S. Association takes this friends wasted every day – food. This small angel approach and their average contribution, including the dues portion, cemented my commitment to Haiti even further. exceeds $2,100 per member! Between 1982 and 1985, while working in In the near future, we will be voting to elect eight members of the Port au Prince, I became friendly via the tele- Board of Councillors for three-year terms. The Nominating Committee phone with Mother Teresa. I would call her before has done an excellent job of identifying outstanding candidates for and after each trip, relaying messages from her election this year – Knights and Dames who represent many of our Sisters in Haiti, since the phone service to Cal- Areas. We need a diverse Board that represents our entire member- cutta from Haiti was non-existent. In 1985 during a phone conversation, Mother Teresa told me, “I am making arrange- ship, geographically. Please keep that in mind as you vote this year. ments to send four sisters to Jeremie.” I thought, that’s interesting, that’s my name in I want to encourage all of you, our members and your families French. Mother Teresa said that there were no health services there. She planned to open to participate in our Mass for Life liturgies which will be celebrated several facilities and asked, “Do you think you could go there and help them? They need across the country on Sunday, October 24th. This event, which will be more help there than in Port au Prince.” I joked, “How can you refuse a living saint?” So publicized nationally, will be the fi rst of, hopefully, many initiatives car- I went. Jeremie is 140 miles from Port au Prince in southern Haiti – a 14 hour ride over ried out in unison with the other two Associations in the U.S. mountain roads in a 4-wheel drive vehicle (there was no air transportation at that time). Finally, you are also encouraged to attend our annual festivi- Over 600,000 of Haiti’s poorest live in the southern Grand Anse area, where the only health ties, including our Business Meeting, Investiture, and Dinner, over the care in 1985 was a 35 bed, ill-equipped government hospital. There were no American or- weekend of November 12th. ganizations in Jeremie at that time and the poverty was overwhelming and unforgettable. As a result of moving up to the November timeframe, we expect Not long after I returned from my fi rst trip to Jeremie, my wife Virginia began a a signifi cant increase in the participation of our membership in these “chance” conversation with a fellow patient while waiting in a (continued on page 8) events. I hope to see you there!

Best regards, Our Mission The American Association of the Order of Malta, carefully observing the centuries-old tradition of the Order, has Daniel J. Kelly, K.M. as its mission, to enhance the glory of God through the sanctiﬁ cation of its members, through dedication to and President defense of the faith and the Holy See and through service to our fellow man, especially the sick and poor. XX ANNIVERSARY, LOURDES PILGRIMAGE APRIL 27, 2005 – MAY 4, 2005 By John & JoAnne Connolly, Co-Chairs 2005 Lourdes Pilgrimage

e are honored and pleased to serve as Co-Chairs for the 2005 Malta Pilgrimage to Lourdes. We pledge our hard work to you. We believe that with the talented sup- Wport of our Committee, the strong participation of our members and, most of all, with the help of Our Lady of Lourdes, the 2005 pilgrimage will be a resounding success. The Summer Issue of the HOSPITALLERS newsletter featured a fi ne article by Peggy Stan- Boston Area Sponsors Disabled ton on the 2004 Malta Pilgrimage to Lourdes. If you haven’t seen it, look for it in your study Veteran to Lourdes and, failing to fi nd it, call our NYC offi ce and get yourself a new copy. It contains wonderful personal stories illustrating the importance our Lourdes Pilgrimage to all of us as members of Beginning with the 2004 pilgrimage to Lourdes, the Boston our Order. Area of the Order of Malta has embarked on a project to The Malta worldwide annual 2005 Pilgrimage to Lourdes is from April 27th through May bring disabled veterans to Lourdes. Those involved hope 4th. Even though April is still about seven months away, much organizing and planning is un- the “The Veterans to Lourdes Project” will become on of the enduring commitments to the sick and disabled. derway and many action steps have already been taken. We have been able to fi ll most of the This year’s veteran malades were Sister Dolores positions in the 2005 Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee. We are fortunate that so many motivated Rudden, OSCO, a veteran of the Korean War and a and experienced people have agreed to serve. Our Order can be very proud of them and we are Trappestine Sister and Timothy Reilly of the VA Hospital in sure the Pilgrimage will be more wonderful as a result of their efforts. Bedford, Massachusetts both of whom had a truly wonderful Members of our Order understand the experience on the Pilgrimage. concept of service to the sick and the poor For more information, contact Augustus Grace, K.M, at intrinsic to our Order. Our malades, the sick 978-692-2888, 978-692-2123 (Fax) or [email protected] and handicapped people who come to Lourdes as guests of our Order, our beloved malades and their caregivers, are central to the success of the Pilgrimage. We need malades and their caregivers to have a successful Pilgrimage. Our traditional schedule for malade selection has been advanced by at least two months. You should have received the malade solicitation letters and forms as they went out in August. Over twenty applications have already been received. Naturally, we want many more, so please, please, Knights and Dames, decide to recommend a malade and, just do it. If you need a form, Hope for Haiti call our NYC offi ce. Michelle is one of four children of Monsieur and Madame Hotels have been secured and most ground arrangements have been concluded. An Air Roberts. The Roberts are a warm and loving family. They Travel Committee has been formed and is hard at work defi ning our needs and listing alternate live in the high mountains, a four to fi ve hour hike outside methods of meeting those needs. The air travel part of the Pilgrimage is physically demanding Leogane. Michelle is a shy and charming young girl whose for many people and we want to have the safest and best arrangements possible. Many new life consists of tending to the two family pigs and sharing avenues which can potentially meet our needs are being investigated and analyzed so we look in cooking and cleaning with her older sister. Unfortunately, Michelle does not have an opportunity to go to school. Her for good results from this innovation. family is simply too poor to afford the $1 a month and the The 2005 Pilgrimage will mark the twenty year, XX, anniversary of participation by our cost of uniform and supplies that is necessary for their American Association. Our fi rst Pilgrimage took place in 1986 and our own Ann Peabody, children to go to school. D.M. was Chairman. Of course, Ann was more than This is not an isolated story, but a common one in the Chairman; she really is the foundress of our Pilgrim- rural areas of Haiti. The rural poor live on the razors edge age. Thank you Ann, we owe you a heavy debt of of survival and with the infl ation brought on by the latest gratitude. We will be planning a big celebration of this political upheaval, they have suffered greatly. A basic reality major milestone in our history and we hope all past of Haiti is that it is always the poorest of the poor who suffer the most in times of crisis. It is also a reality that they are the Chairs and Co-Chairs will come to Lourdes in 2005. last to receive assistance. There will be more information on plans and new programs for 2005 in upcoming Newsletters and other communications with our membership. STOP THE PRESS! Wait a moment; let’s speak of attendance and participation in Lourdes in 2005 – what about you? That’s right – YOU! Peggy Stanton’s article on the 2004 Pilgrimage gives a good idea of the place, the Pilgrims, especially our malades, and, most importantly, the “doings” there. Each of us has pledged to participate in the Lourdes Pilgrimage during our lifetime. What about 2005? You know, when you think of it, since 2005 will be the twentieth anniversary, it is fair to ask, “Where has the time gone?” The answer is time fl ies and, more to the point, time’s a-wasting. Don’t let any more of your time be a-wasting, especially if you’ve never been to Lourdes before. Each of us is traveling on our personal road of life and, hopefully, it will be the road to our salvation. Many of us can probably claim our road is loaded with potholes and big rocks and has lots of steep hills and tight turns. Most of us know we need lots of help with our road to salvation, help in fi lling in some potholes, getting rid of some rocks – and, ultimately, giving us a better map to Heaven. We assure you, our Lourdes Pilgrimage will be exactly the agent of change you need to help you with your own road. We know this since it has had this very effect on us and on many other Pilgrims we know. Yes indeed, it will so affect you as well. So, if you’d like to have a smoother, safer and better trip on the way to your salvation, come with us to Lourdes in 2005. Don’t forget, “Time’s a-wasting!!!” Our Lady of Lourdes – Pray for us.

Errata: In the summer Newsletter article on Lourdes, Sister Dolores Rudden was identifi ed as one who benefi ted from the baths in Lourdes in error, Sister Margaret Mary Carey O. P. should 2 have been the one identifi ed. Chaplain’s Column This article represents a summary of Msgr. Sheehan’s presentation in New York at the 2004 meeting of the American Association. Msgr. Dennis Sheehan is Pastor of Saint Paul Church in Cambridge, MA and Senior Catholic Chaplain at the Harvard Catholic Student Center. He is a Chaplain of the Order. Medical Ethics Program Offered At the Origins of Malta’s Motto by the Boston Area

he Order of Malta’s motto “Tuito fi dei et obsequium pauperum” The Medical Ethics Committee of the Boston Area of the did not descend directly from heaven. It originated in a specifi c Order of Malta has developed plans for their November 6th presentation of the lecture series entitled “Catholic period in history. Any effort to understand the original meaning T Teaching on Medical Ethics – What Everyone Should of the motto and its application to the contemporary life of the Order Know to Make Informed Decisions.” might profi tably look back to the age in which it originated. The series will be presented on November 6 from With the origin of Malta’s motto we are in the Twelfth Century. 10:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. at St. Julia Parish Hall, 374 This is the age of Christendom where separation of sacred and secular, Boston Post Road, Weston MA. Mass will be celebrated at church and state is inconceivable. It is the age of the Crusades. The lingua franca of the age is 4:00 p.m. at St. Julia Church by the Most Reverend Daniel Latin, still very much a living and growing language. It is a religious, cultural and linguistic P. Reilly, retired bishop of Worchester, Massachusetts. world very different from the Twenty-First Century. Noting this difference, we can ask: what In previous years, the series was held on four sepa- rate evenings. This year the lectures will be presented might the motto of the Order have meant in such a time? on one Saturday to encourage higher attendance. The Curiously enough, the second branch of the motto: “obsequium pauperum,” is its older format will consist of two talks in the morning, lunch and part. In the fi rst Rule of the Order, dating from the middle of the twelfth century, members two talks in the afternoon. Those who plan to attend for are described as “fratres ad servitium pauperum venientes” (brothers coming for the service the entire day are asked to make a reservation so that of the pauperum). In the context of the Crusades and with the earlier history of the Hospital suffi cient boxed lunches can be provided. of St. John in Jerusalem in the background, it is reasonable to conclude that the Latin pauper As always, the series is open and free to the public. used here refers not just to those in economic straits, but specifi cally to the needy or poor who The Medical Ethic Committee will offer Continuing Educa- are sick and in need of medical care. Thus the oldest aim of the Order would appear to be the tion credits to qualifi ed nurses, teachers and social workers. care of the sick who have no medical or fi nancial resources to deal with their misery. Only by This year, as in the past four outstanding speakers putting the motto in the concrete historical circumstances of its origin, can we arrive at this who are well versed and qualifi ed will speak on their kind of conclusion. The motto will then be realized differently in subsequent ages, but always respective subjects. The series is aimed at members of faithful to its original intent. the laity who are in positions of making life and death The fi rst branch of the motto: “tuitio fi dei” came along in subsequent revisions of the Rule. decisions with little or no training in medical ethics Perhaps it was added when the Order assumed a more defi nitely military character. We can- issues. Christopher Klofft S.T.D., Professor of Moral Theol- not judge this with any historical certainty. In any case, it seems to have been added with the ogy, Assumption College, Worcester, Massachusetts will intention of complementing the original earlier care of the needy sick. Even though it comes speak on Human Sexuality, Procreation and Pre-martial fi rst in the motto as presented today, historically it is an addition from the second generation Relations and Reverend Roger J. Landry, from St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, Massachusetts, will speak on of the Order or even later. Love for Human Dignity, The Foundation of the Church’s What does it mean? Fides, of course, translates as “faith.” But in biblical and theologi- Bioethical Teachings. cal usage, “faith” represents a whole constellation of meanings. It refers to the act of faith: “I In the afternoon Reverend Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. believe” or the virtue of faith given in baptism. It refers to the content of God’s revealed Word: Director of Education, The National Catholic Bioethics Trinity, Incarnation, Resurrection, Church and the whole lineage of what is presented by the Center, Boston, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, Penn- Church as dogma and morals. Faith is also the life generated by acceptance of the Gospel and sylvania, will speak on Embryos, Stem Cells and Souls, teaching of the Church. It is to this latter aspect, the Christian life individual and social, that Should We Be Cloning Humans? Followed by Catherine fi des seems to refer in the motto. The Order’s objective is not so much doctrine or morals as Morency, MS, RN, Health Care Coordinator, Society of Je- sus will speak on Making Informed End of Life Decisions, teaching, but the life grounded in and rising out of the whole complex of God’s revelation. Health Care Agents and Human Dignity. The members of the Order are expected to exercise “tuitio” around the life of faith. A long The Series was presented in past years at Fall River, English language tradition has translated this as “defense.” It is not an unreasonable attempt. Massachusetts, Centerville, Massachusetts and last Octo- But the word is subject to more nuanced and richer meaning if we see it from its origins. ber, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood, Massa- Without engaging in a boring journey into Latin language “tuitio” seems to have its origins chusetts. To date over a thousand people have benefi ted in a cognate Latin word meaning “to gaze upon” or to “look at intensely.” It can then be rea- from this series including scores of nurses, other health sonably interpreted as “looking after” in the sense of maintaining and fostering. What is clear care professions, women religious and clergy. is that, while tuitio may well involve protecting its object (in this case the faith) from external For further information, contact Augustus Grace K.M. at 978-692-28 Medical Ethics Program’s Offered by the harm, it also and necessarily involves commitment to fostering, nurturing and caring for the Boston Area. life of faith. Its accompanying personal agent in Latin is a “tutor.” This role expresses most fully what is intended by “tuition.” A tutor is responsible for the safety, integrity and health of his pupil. But at root, he/she is expected to foster the growth, development and education of the young person committed to his or her care. Simply put, “tuitio fi dei” does not refer primarily to the use of swords and pikes against an external enemy. It refers at least as much to helping the life of faith grow wherever it is found. Simple “defense” as translation loses much of the riches and nuance in the word. Perhaps “wit- Fairfi eld University Site for ness” is closer. “Keeping the faith strong” or “Fostering the life of faith” seems to come even National Conference closer to what the author of this phrase might have intended centuries ago. Like care of the needy sick, the fostering of a life of faith commits the Order to a huge September 16 to 18, 2005 variety of needs presented in every age. “What does it mean for the Order today?” is an appro- The Connecticut Area is now fi nalizing plans for the semi- priate and ongoing question. But it will not be authentically answered until we start with what annual National Conference of the Order. The event will be the motto meant to our forbears in faith who fi rst set it forth. held at Fairfi eld University beginning on Friday evening, September 16 and conclude mid-day on Sunday, September 18, 2005. A list of prominent, national and local speakers will bring to life the theme of “Enriching Our Spirituality through the Works of the Order.” Bishop Lori will celebrate Mass on Friday evening at the recently renovated Cathedral in Bridgeport. Cardinal Egan will conclude the events with Mass and lunch on Sunday. Hotel accommodations will be at the Trumbull Marriott near the University. If you need more information at this time you can contact Betsy and John Swanhaus at (203) 966-1509.

3 Dominican Republic John G. Swanhaus Jr., Area Co-Chairman

etsy and John Swanhaus visited Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic in July and saw fi rst hand how AmeriCares and the Order of Malta work together. The trip was of particular interest because Betsy and John Bare Area Chairmen for the Knights and Dames of the Order in Connecticut. John is also on the Board of Directors of AmeriCares. Since June 1990, AmeriCares has delivered approximately $130 million dollars of humanitarian aid to the Dominican Republic. Sea and air shipments of medicines and medical supplies arrive virtually every month. Mal- ta maintains a warehouse in Santo Domingo where shipments are sorted and arranged for delivery by members of the Order. They distribute nationwide to tertiary care hospitals, clinics and homes for youth and the elderly. In the past year, the Order has provided consistent support to over 100 of these institutions and to over 400 on an as available basis. In 1996 the Dominican Association of the Order and Project Hope also established a primary care clinic in Herrera, Santo Domingo, to address the healthcare needs of mothers and young children. As a result of the clinic’s success, the Order of Malta opened a second clinic in 2003 in Monte Plata, approximately 150 kilometers north of Santo Domingo, which the Swanhauses were able to visit. The clinic in Herrera is self-sustaining, while Monte Plata, which is still in the early stages of operations, is expected to take two to three years to reach this level. Hosted by Marino Ginebra, President of the Order, and Clara Jimenes, the Hospitaller, as well as other Knights and Dames of the Order, the Swanhauses were able to visit two hospitals and a clinic that are supported by Ameri- Cares and Malta. The fi rst was the newest hospital, The Dr. Marcelino Velez Santana Hospital. Since the hospital opened in January 2003, doctors from the Malta Clinic in Herrera have consistently referred pregnant patients there to give birth and have developed a strong, reciprocal relationship They also visited the oldest hospital, Hospital Docent Padre Billini, built in 1868. Although the institution is state owned and operated, the Mercy Sisters of Charity have been involved in its administration since 1910 and work directly with the Order. AmeriCares’ donations go primarily towards the maintenance of the dialysis and surgical departments of the hospital. Finally they visited The Cruz Jiminian Foundation, which has been a major recipient of AmeriCares aid for several years. Dr. Cruz Jiminian established a foundation in the late 1990’s to provide healthcare and treatment to the poorer population. While Dr. Jiminian and his staff of 87 doctors will treat virtually every case that walks through the door, he has gained national fame for focusing on cases that society would otherwise deem “untreatable.” Over the years, the Order of Malta in the Dominican Republic has proved to be a strong partner in its capacity to deliver aid effi ciently and comprehensively and to provide necessary feedback on ways to build this benefi cial relationship. “The Dominican Republic is a poorer country than we realized where most of the people cannot afford to pay the cost of even basic medical treatment. It was obvious to us how important the work of AmeriCares and Malta is in this country,” said the Swanhauses.

Fra’ Elie de Comminges Visits Indiana Area By John T. Bycraft, Area Chair, Indiana and Member of the Board of Councillors

t all began in Lourdes last May when the Grand Master joined the American Association Pilgrims for dinner at the D’Espagne Hotel. H.E. Fra’ Elie de Comminges, a professed Knight of Justice and a member of the Sover- Ieign Council, was seated with Marjorie and John Bycraft. Marjorie is a Dame; John is the Indiana Area Chair and a Member of the American Association Board of Councilors. Fra’ Elie is the librarian and archivist for the Order and now lives in Rome. Fra’ Elie’s father was French, and his mother was a Bostonian. He was raised in France, but his family fl ed to the United States during World War II and he attended school in French Canada. After the war, they returned to France. He lived and worked in the United States for more than forty years as a teacher at the Chapin School in New York City, and later became their librarian. Elie joined the Order in 1990. When he retired from the Chapin School, he considered the possibility of becoming a deacon, but, since he was already a member of the Order of Malta in France, he decided to become a Knight of Justice and took his fi rst temporary vows in 1997. During the course of the dinner in Lourdes, Elie mentioned he was planning a retreat in Minnesota this summer so the Bycrafts extended an invitation for him to stop in South Bend on his way back to New York City. Elie arrived in South Bend on Sunday, August 22, and spent the afternoon with John and Marjorie Bycraft on the shores of Lake Michigan, enjoyed a marvelous dinner at the Hawkshead Inn; then watched the sunset over the lake. On Monday morning they were off to the University of Notre Dame for a golf cart tour of the campus with special emphasis on the archival section of the Hesburgh Library and the replica of the Lourdes Grotto built by the French founders of the University in 1896, only 38 years after the Apparitions. The tour ended at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart where Fra’ Elie met Father Peter D. Rocca, C.S.C., Rector of the Basilica, and attended the 11:30 daily Mass with many students. Marge and Hans Geisler and BJ and George Maley from Indianapolis drove three hours to South Bend to join Fra’ Elie for the Mass and for the balance of the day. After lunch at the Morris Inn, the group toured the Women’s Care Center Malta House, which was supported by an Association grant and by the Indiana members. The Women’s Care Centers have ten crises pregnancy locations in northern Indiana and provide face-to-face counseling to over 7,000 women each year. The Malta House is located at LaSalle and Notre Dame Avenues near the center of South Bend and is their busiest location, counseling over 1,000 women each year. Ann Manion, the President of Women’s Care Centers, conducted a detailed tour of this new facility, which is designed as a house complete with a comfort- able living room where clients fi rst meet with a counselor. Pregnancy testing and a sonogram are available on site. (continued on page 10)

4 Rediscovery House for the Knights of Malta The vision of Rediscovery House is to see our abused, neglected, abandoned and criminally involved youth gain the necessary skills and resources to realize their potential. n an annual basis, approximately 600 youth in Massachusetts • Clinical Program: A partnership with Children’s Charter, a specialty and 20,000 nationally exit the foster care system and are at high trauma clinic, with services that include individual, group, and family Orisk for a host of negative outcomes. Sixty-seven percent of 18 therapy, medication and psychiatric evaluation services, and clinical year olds aging out of foster care have not passed the GED or obtained a supervision and training of staff. A shared part-time Clinical Coordina- diploma and 61% lack any job experience.1 Fifty percent of teens transi- tor serves as a liaison and helps integrate clinical services. tioning out of our nation’s child welfare system end up unemployed and • Alumni Program: Tracking and evaluation process of former clients, face a high risk of homelessness, addiction, re-entry into the public wel- case management services ranging from referrals to clinical resources to fare system and adult criminal activity. Three out of every ten homeless academic and emotional support. individuals were once in the foster care system.2 Finally, children with While the state support covers basic operational expenses, Rediscov- histories of abuse and neglect are almost two times more likely to end ery House needs private support to sustain the depth of its services, and up in the adult incarceration system than youth without such histories. raises private funding through foundations, corporations and individual Rediscovery House works with youth who fit this profile. Coming from donors. We are incredibly grateful for the $15,000 gift that we received primarily inner-city neighborhoods across the state, with the largest from the Order of Malta. This contribution will fund our Alternative Edu- percentage from the Boston and Greater Boston area, they arrive at our cation Program, which is not financially supported by the state. This gift residential programs as older adolescents (typically around age 15) with allows our program to offer intensive educational and vocational services, extensive educational, vocational, clinical and emotional needs. By the including GED instruction, job training and career placement to youth age of 18, our young men and women are expected to be ready to live who have typically survived multiple changes in school systems and lack independently, to attend school, work, pay at least a portion of their bills any belief in their own self-worth. Paul McNamara, a member of the Order and maintain a household. of Malta in Boston, is a founding Board member of Rediscovery House and We use an integrated continuum of residential, educational, vocation- offers pro bono legal services to our organization. This year, we hope to al, and clinical services to prepare youth leaving state custody to thrive as engage the Order of Malta in several volunteer opportunities, particularly adults, and create a support network to ensure client needs are addressed a book drive for our new program, Teen L.E.E.P. Books. The following an- adequately. Rediscovery House started as a six-bed group home in July ecdote about a young man named Bill, who was a resident of Rediscovery 2002, with a budget around $300,000. In the past two years, the budget House will give a sense of the impact of the Order’s gift. Saddled with a his- has grown to $1.1 million and the number of clients served annually grew tory of abuse, neglect and criminal involvement, Bill came to Rediscovery from 8 to 50. We currently operate six programs: House lacking direction in his life. During Bill’s six-month stay at Redis- • Group Home: twelve bed residence for 16 to 18 year old males in DSS covery House, he earned his GED, maintained a part-time auto-body job, custody, structured residence that provides constant supervision. Aver- interned at a radio station, obtained his drivers license and was accepted age length of stay is 8 months. into an accredited college. He is currently in his second year and recently • Apartment Program: Expanding from the current five males it serves obtained employment at a rapidly expanding audio production company residents between ages 17 and 20 who live independently, work, at- through one of our donors. Without the GED instruction, job placement tend school, pay bills and follow rules. and higher educational support offered through our Alternative Education • Alternative Education Program: Includes GED instruction, academic Program, Bill would, by his own admission, “still be working towards get- tutoring, vocational training and placement, life skills assistance, with ting his GED.” We greatly thank the Order of Malta for the involvement a focus progressing towards higher education and career goals. with Rediscovery House and look forward to working closely together as • Teen L.E.E.P. Books: Empowering social enterprise enabling youth to we expand the organization. learn how to manage an online bookselling business and gain Name changed to protect his identity and maintain confidentiality. the necessary technology and social skills to succeed in the main- 1. Assessing the Effects of Foster Care: Early Results From the Casey National Alumni Study,” p. 26. stream workplace. 2. Resources On: Foster Care and Homeless Yout h, Casey Family Programs. (July 2001).

A Candidate’s Perspective on the Year of Preparation bserver to the United Nations General Assembly: this recogni- 5. Disabled tion certainly took note of the very unique status of the Order 6. Disaster Relief Oin international law, but, more importantly, it established the 7. Overseas Aid, including research and treatment of leprosy Order as one of the main actors in the fields of both hospitaller and hu- 8. Refugees Centers manitarian work. In today’s world, a humanitarian crusade continues. without mentioning the famous annual pilgrimage to Lourdes (France) In the year of my preparing to become a knight, I only wish to re- that ALL Knights and Dames must accomplish within the year/or three mind us of the main characteristics and of the scope of the work of the years of their “adoubement,” and during which they are at the service of Order in these two particular fields. the sick, be they Royal Highnesses or simple people. • Today the Order of Malta is an international organization with its head- The spiritual life of the Order today: the Order came into existence a quarters in Rome. The hospitaller activities of the Order are organized little more than 900 years ago in Jerusalem for the purpose of assisting and to service ongoing hospitaller and social needs, from the provision of defending pilgrims in the Holy Land. Despite the events, struggles and dif- ambulance and social services to hospital work and disaster relief; ficulties encountered since then, the Order has been faithful to the aims • The Order has some 11,000 members throughout the world. In addi- and ideals of its origin: assistance to the sick and to the needy of any kind tion, 100,000 volunteers work in the Order’s charitable institutions in and the defense of the faith. Europe, North and South America, Australia and Asia; It is important, in the year 2004, to recall the current vision of the • The Order provides a diverse range of hospitaller services in over 120 Order that the Grand Master has stated in very explicit terms: countries throughout the world. This work is provided on an entirely “It is an inescapable necessity to safeguard at all costs the pre-emi- non-sectarian and non-discriminatory basis; nently religious character which for our Order is supreme, essential, • Traditionally, members of the Order have nursed the wounded and the indispensable and a condition sine qua non of its existence.” sick in times of war and have assisted in every possible way to bring Clearly, the Order is aiming at becoming closer to what it was when relief to prisoners of war and refugees; brother Gérard and Raymond du Puy established it in the twelfth cen- • The Order mounted major humanitarian relief operations in Lebanon, tury: A RELIGIOUS AND HOSPITALLER ORGANIZATION DEDICATED El Salvador, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Sudan/Uganda, Chad, Iraq, Ro- TO THE CARE OF THE POOR AND THE SICK. mania and more recently in Rwanda; Let us never forget that the spirituality of the Order of Malta rests on • Among the many services provided by the Order throughout the world the dual motto: Defense of the Faith and Service of the Poor, and always are the following: keep in mind, in whatever task we carry for the Order, the original rule 1. Care for homeless of the Order: 2. Services for the terminally ill “When a sick person arrives, receive him just as if he were the Lord 3. Care of the elderly and each day, charitably give him the best that the house can furnish 4. Care of abandoned children before the brothers have broken fast.” 5 Strategic Plan

n March 19, the Board of Councillors with representation from the Board of Direc- tors of the Foundation and Area Chairs participated in a brainstorming session to Odraft a series of goals to guide the Board during the next fi ve years. At the Board’s June 22 meeting, the strategic goals along with objectives for their implementation were formally adopted. The Board adopted seven goals and corresponding objectives in the following areas: membership, communications, defense to the faith, education, works, classes of membership and working with other associations. Membership Reception in Detroit Goal I: By the end of year 2004 the Order will grow its members from 1677 to 2000 net of deaths and resignations across the board, in diverse geographical areas, and among younger On a balmy May evening, the Michigan Area Order of Malta men and women. hosted an information reception for prospective members. The guests mingled with current members, viewed displays • Objective 1: The Association will grow the membership in diverse geographical areas (with and listened to presentations about the Order and its mis- emphasis on the Midwest) sion. The idea of hosting this event grew out of a concern, • Objective 2: The Association will grow membership in the pre-50’s age bracket both on the national and local levels, that in order to grow • Objective 3: The Association will continue to generate membership in already established areas. the membership, the number of new members must be Goal II: By 2005 the Association will identify a single Malta Project, which can be replicated increased to more than offset the losses due to death or other attrition. in each area and have national recognition, consistent with the overall mission of the Order. About a year ago, Lou Mahoney, K.M., the Michigan At the same time, allowances will be made for involvement and good works by individuals in Area Chair, decided that something different had to be done their Areas to meet specifi c challenges and needs. to meet this challenge. He proposed to the Executive Com- • Objective: An ad hoc committee, appointed by the President, will develop a process to mittee that they sponsor a “membership reception.” The identify possible works which could be adopted as a national project. Executive Committee agreed with the idea and appointed Goal III: Further develop a detailed communication plan both internally and externally that fi rst-year member Tom Larabell, K.M., to head a committee composed of Leo Peterson, K.M., the Hospitaller, and Judi integrates effectively and effi ciently an appropriate balance of knowledge and the written Tompkins a candidate for the Class of November 2004. (continued on page 10) With the guidance of the Executive Committee, the agenda was determined and a timetable set almost four months before the planned event. Six weeks before the reception, invitations along with the brochure “An Introduction to Order of Malta” were sent to a list of individuals proposed by members as being very likely candidates for membership. Malta Human Services Foundation The prospects were asked to confi rm attendance; members John R. Mullen, President of the Committee personally contacted those not responding. As a result of the planning and signifi cant up-front work, the evening went very smoothly. When the thirty-four prospective he last issue of HOSPITALLERS contained the inaugural column on the activities of members arrived, they were met at the door, given a name the re-constituted Malta Human Services Foundation. I take this present opportunity tag and a packet that included the agenda, a copy of the to bring you up to date on Foundation efforts since that date. Daily Prayer of the Order of Malta, a list of the Michigan Area T Early in June, the Grants Committee of the Association met to review the volume of membership, various articles about the history and activities grant applications submitted for funding from Area Chairs throughout the Association’s of the Order, the 75th Anniversary Edition of Hospitallers and geography. The Committee is composed of members of the Board of Councilors and members a membership application. Representatives of six Michigan Area supported organizations were present with displays of the Malta Human Services Foundation. After a lengthy meet- describing their activities to assist the sick and the poor. ing, 49 grant applications totaling $826,500 were approved for Lou Mahoney opened the formal presentation by greet- funding. Regrettably, a signifi cant number of worthy applications ing all the prospects and explaining the rest of the program. were left at the altar because of a lack of fi nancial resources. Monsignor Michael LeFevre, the Chaplain, led all in a This is further evidence of the need to fi nd additional sources of recitation of the Daily Prayer of the Order of Malta. Dan Kelly, funding to support many of these deserving proposals. K.M., followed with a history and mission of the Order from This summer the Foundation retained the fund development his perspective as President. Honorable Judge Ryan, K.M. services of Donahue and Smith in New York City to assist the described the opportunities for spiritual development and service at the local level and shared with the group his ex- Board in coming to grips with the real, not imagined, opportuni- periences with the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. Joe Miller, ties which exist within the membership to grow the Foundation K.M., Chancellor of the American Association, then described corpus of $8.5 million and to obtain the additional resources membership requirements and procedures and described necessary to provide support for Malta Programs in the United activities during the candidacy year. A lively question and States and Latin America and to support effective communi- answer period then followed. The entire presentation and cation programs and publicity to tell the Malta story throughout the United States and to question and answer period lasted approximately one hour enhance the administrative staff which is drowning in materials...just visit the offi ce and you and fi fteen minutes. will see what I mean. Those who attended were pleased with the evening. Fourteen prospects applied for membership; others said they Donahue and Smith have embarked upon private and confi dential interviews with mem- would likely apply in the future. The evening was certainly a bers of the Board of Councilors, The Malta Human Services Foundation and members select- success and the culmination of a long process initiated by ed at random throughout the Association. These interviews continue throughout September Lou Mahoney, planned by the committee and conducted by and early October. They are designed to get a real feel of your views of the Association, its the presenters and members. revitalization under President Dan Kelly and to determine if you would be amenable to providing additional fi nancial support for the Association to enable it to become a real beacon of Catholicism and to better fulfi ll its mission of helping the sick and the poor and defending the faith. Our early interviews have given us a great deal of encouragement on all of these issues. Early in October, we will write each of you and enclose a very simple question- naire to obtain your views. We do not want anyone of our members to feel left out or disenfranchised. This is your Association and your views are vital as all of us help to chart its future direction so its mission can be fulfi lled. The light of Malta should not be hidden under a bushel basket; its works should not go un-noticed. When you receive this communication, please take a few minutes and complete the survey form and return it back to the offi ce promptly. Late in October, we will evaluate all of the reports of personal interviews and your survey communications. We will then give you a full report of these fi ndings at the Annual Meeting on Friday, November 12th in New York City. I hope to see you there. 6 Saving the Preborn for Jesus and Mary By Kathy DiFiore, D.M. , Several Sources Foundation Over 15,000 babies have been saved from abortion through the efforts of the Several Sources Foundation of Ramsey, New Jersey that started in Dame Kathy DiFiore’s own home in 1981 when she took in pregnant teen. It began with the prayer of We are grateful to the churches in the Newark St. Francis of Assisi, “Make me a channel Archdiocese and the Paterson Diocese that of Your Peace. Where there is darkness, let have supported us over the years. We appre- me sow light. Where there is sadness, let me ciate the spiritual and fi nancial support also bring joy.” provided through the American Association As the years have passed, the work has and the New Jersey Area of the Order of Malta. grown. We received the support of Mother Recently we brought one of our teen mothers Teresa and many honors including a White to a New Jersey Malta dinner. She was so very House visit with Ronald Reagan. In 1989 the impressed by the kindness and encouragement down payment for a second shelter was donat- she received from the Dames and Knights. As ed. In 1990 Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Area Chairman NJ Knights of Malta, we drove home she said, “They told me how Bob Fredericks with Kathy DiFiore DM, donated the use of their convent. In 1994 Gene Several Sources saved baby, Jonathan 1/31/04, proud they were of me that I didn’t abort my Rainis, K.M and Jane Rainis, D.M. donated a and his mother child. My own family hasn’t said that to me!” home in Mendham, NJ in loving memory and A word of compassion to a homeless, preg- honor of their parents. In 1997 three business nant teenager. A grant to give her shelter. A professionals pledged the fi rst three years rent prayer to ask God to continue to guide and for a daytime homeless shelter in Newark, NJ. strengthen her. This is what Malta and Several Young, desperate, frightened women reach Sources means. out to the Several Sources Foundation daily on For fi fteen years Several Sources has been its 1-800-No-ABORT national hotline seeking teaching chastity at our shelters to our young support to give birth to their preborn children. mothers with the hope that they will learn Those that live in New Jersey and the surround- to live chaste lives. They are taught to resist ing states often come to live and are allowed to temptation and encouraged to develop a chaste stay free of charge up to one year after the birth value system that would help them to avoid fu- of their child. Women as young as 11 and as ture heartbreaks and risks to their physical and old as 39 have found safe haven at our shelters mental health. in the past 23 years. Please visit www.severalsourcesfd.org for Kathy DiFiore, DM holding saved babies The work is not easy. Each and every day Henry 8/3/04, Ariel Jesus 7/13/04, and James 8/4/04 more information about this life-saving work is a struggle to keep all of our shelters open. for God’s innocent preborn and their mothers.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “IN OBEDIENCE?” By a Madistral Chaplain of the Order, Western Association, U.S.A.

he Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusa- ences, to accept whatever duties needed to be done, and not to take one’s lem of Rhodes and of Malta is divided into three classes: the fi rst position too seriously. In this way, obedience leads to peace. John XXIII Tis made up of those who have professed vows of poverty, chastity confi ded at the end of his life that this was the secret of his serenity. and obedience; the third class (the one to which most members belong) To enter into the Second Class of our Order should thus be under- consists of men and women who seek to live according to the norms of stood, not as a step up, but as a step down. Pre-eminence in a Christian the Church and commit themselves to the Order. In between we fi nd a context is tied to deeper humility and greater generosity. It is important second class, Knights and Dames who have not taken religious vows but to keep this in mind in an Order that has such a long and distinguished who make a promise of obedience. history, and that enjoys a certain worldly prestige. In Catholic tradition, The Constitutional Charter of the Order describes the obligations the scapular worn by religious represents the yoke which Christ invites of this second class as follows: By virtue of the promise, members of the His faithful disciples to assume (Mt. 11:29). Therefore, the scapular Second Class oblige themselves to strive which is symbolic of the Promise of Obe- for the perfection of Christian life in con- dience is not an honorifi c decoration, but formity with the obligation of their state, …committed to an ever deeper a visible reminder that its wearer seeks to in the spirit of the Order. (Article 9. par. conversion of heart, and a desire be of greater service to others. 2) More importantly, to be in obedience While the Code spells out in detail to embrace the will of God in imitation means that one is committed to an ever the meaning of the vows taken by pro- deeper conversion of heart, and a desire fessed members of the Order, it is less of the great saints, Our Lady, and to embrace the will of God in imitation specifi c about how the obligations of the above all Christ, Himself. of the great saints, Our Lady, and above Second Class are to be fulfi lled. Funda- all Christ, Himself. The earthly life on the mentally, a Knight or Dame in obedience is called to a more intense Son of God began when Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let spiritual life. Before reviewing the spiritual duties specifi ed in our Code, it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) On the night before it would be helpful to refl ect on the meaning of obedience. his death, Jesus begged the Father to take away the cup of suffering that When he met with the Knights in Obedience in 1961, Blessed John He was about to drink; then he added, “Not my will but yours be done.” XXIII provided them with his own motto: Obedientia et Pax. Angelo (Lk 22:43) In every moment between these two events, Jesus and Mary Roncalli had adopted his motto when he was ordained a bishop, and it sought to embrace the will of the Father. Each decision to obey, great and became the guiding principle of his life. John XXIII took these words small, led them on the path to Calvary. Here, with the Son nailed to the from Cesare Baronius, who used to say them every time he kissed the cross and His Mother standing beneath it, the challenging cost of obedi- foot of the statue of St. Peter. ence became clear. Baronius was the most eminent historian of his day, and also a close In speaking of the virtue of obedience, the Code explains that this friend of St. Philip Neri. St. Philip knew that someone with Cesare’s abili- moves a person “to the imitation of Jesus Christ who became obedi- ties would receive adulation (he was named a cardinal), and in many ent even unto death on the cross.” (Article 61) When a knight or dame ways great and small he called his friend to a deep spirit of humility. For makes the Promise of Obedience, he or she is given a crucifi x and holds example, in spite of Baronius’s erudition St. Philip assigned him to work it up for all to see. A simple but powerful gesture: in effect, the person is in the kitchen, so much so that Baronius wrote his name on the wall, fol- saying, “This is what I want.” lowed by the words: “perpetual cook.” To imitate the total obedience of Christ is to strive for perfection, From the example of Cardinal Baronius Angelo Roncalli drew the and our Constitutional Charter specifi es that this is sought according lesson that obedience meant a willingness to let go of one’s own prefer- to one’s state of life and in the spirit of the Order. Ideally, there should (continued on page 9) 7 An Exploratory Trip to Port au Prince, Haiti (continued from cover)

dental office that had a significant and lasting effect on my initial call by the bishop to “come and see” what we might do for Haiti. The dental patient was a Haitian-American physician from Connecticut – the late Dr. Julian Joseph. Dr. Joseph became especially excited when he heard not only what I was doing, but where I was doing it; Jeremie was his hometown. As a result, Dr. Joseph donated a 10-acre parcel of his family’s land to use to deliver health services. Lowney’s fledgling organization, the Haitian Dental Foundation began. To initiate the plan for the foundation, I convinced Sister Carla Hopkins, who often joined my pilgrimages, to remain in Jeremie to begin construction of an outpatient clinic. My wife and I began fundraising for the construction with our own friends - a new endeavor for both of us. Not only did the necessary funds flow in, but volunteers began coming forth asking me how they might help. I remember getting a call from a stranger telling me that he had mentioned to Bishop Rossaza that he would like to volunteer his service to some needy organization and the bishop told him to call me about the Haiti project. He went on to say, I don’t know what I can do, I am not a medical person, just a master electrician. This was about the time we were building and did not need medical professionals, but craftsmen. This gentleman and his wife contributed, visited and volunteered in the spirit of love and faith until they died. What started as a dental clinic gradually evolved. Sr. Carla would tell me that dental problems were only one aspect of overwhelming health and nutritional needs. I was faced with the devastating poverty and sometimes reduced to tears. Continually driven with the same underlying sense of mission that brought me to Haiti, I said, “We’ll build a little bigger.” After three years of construction, “Klinik Pep Bondye-a,” (Clinic of the People of God), the only outpatient facility in the Grand Anse, began serving the poor. It is a 27,000 square foot, 4-story building with a pharmacy, medical X-ray capacity, an eye examination suite, a clinical laboratory, sonography, dental operatories and 5 medical exam rooms. A Haitian physician, several nurses and technicians were hired, and the Clinic of the People of God opened its doors to the hundreds of poor who continue to seek health care there each day. Meanwhile, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) contacted me and offered to give me a 3-year grant (HHF still was the only American NGO in the Jeremie area) to begin a Child Survival/Ma- ternal Health outreach program serving 25,000 people in 15 rural villages. Accepting USAID’s offer, Dr. Lowney hired a public health nurse from the University of Connecticut, Dr. Bette Gebrian, to administer the grant by developing a basic public health program for Jeremie’s poor. It was at this time because of its evolving comprehensive medical orientation that the Haitian Dental Foundation became the Haitian Health Foundation (HHF). This outreach program now provides health care for over 200,000 people in 104 rural villages, concentrating on the health of sick and malnourished children and perinatal women. In 1989, four Hospital Sisters of St. Francis (three nurses and a pharmacist) from Springfield, Illinois joined The Haitian Health Foundation and they continue to administer the Clinic programs. In the past 15 years, over 20 Franciscan Sisters have rotated for various lengths of stays and these dedicated and talented Sisters have been a great part of the success of the clinic’s many programs. In 1990, in an effort to restore the small black Creole pig to the Grand Anse area, I began fundraising through Rotary Clubs to buy and distribute pigs. In 1982, an African Swine Flu virus had decimated the entire pig population in Haiti, leaving the peasant farmers without a means of self-support. Several agencies, including USAID, had attempted to restore the pigs in the past, but were unsuccessful. As a Trustee of the University of Connecticut for 6 years, I collaborated with a local agronomist and brought an animal nutritionist from the University to Jeremie. The goal was to construct a silage system that would allow the destitute farmers to feed donated sows at no cost. The program was structured so that recipients would give back one sow from each litter. In 5 years, the 500 mature sows purchased by Rotary Clubs and other individuals in Connecticut produced over 7,000 sows for local people, bringing the valued Creole pig back to southern Haiti. A similar program was undertaken with layer hens and egg distribution and, for the past four years, the distribution of hundreds of female breeding goats has been accomplished with Rotary assistance and with the support of hundreds of donors throughout the USA and Canada. During the past 22 plus years, HHF has also established many aid and self-help programs: Happy Houses – many hundreds of small, cement block houses with tin roofs, windows, cement floor and a small porch have been built with $500 donation from benefactors. Happy Houses replace the shameful hovels of thatch, cardboard, tin, banana leaf and rags, which serve as homes for so many in rural Haiti. Gifts of $175 build a latrine behind a house – hundreds of latrines have also been donated by benefactors, bringing improved sanita- tion and dignity to poor families. Donations of $150 provide a female breeding goat so that families can begin a small family farm that will offer hope for self-reliance. Save a Family, initiated in 1989, is a family sponsorship program through which one of the poorest families in Jeremie are sponsored for $300 per year. Save-a-Family donations provide money for rent, food, and the education of children. It also offers the sponsor a chance to connect with their Haitian families through letters and donated gifts. Less than 50% of Haiti’s children attend school because of the cost. With an annual income of less than $300, a family cannot afford the $90 - $150 cost for tuition, uniforms, books and school supplies. In the past 15 years, over $1,400 children who would otherwise have been deprived of an education have attended school each year because of the Save-a-Family program. Sister Maryann works with my wife, Virginia, to administer this life-sustaining program. Virginia has never taken a penny in wages for this full-time job. HHF has been providing food for malnourished women and children for many years. The Feeding Pavil- ion now feeds over 1,400 needy people every day. Besides a meal, they are given “take home” food for the rest of the family. Children who visit the Feeding Pavilion are weighed, examined by a nurse, given Vitamin A (to prevent blindness) and immunized against childhood diseases. HHF has immunized over 100,000 children to date. Mothers are encouraged to breast-feed and educated about the benefits of breast-feeding. In the HHF dis- trict, over 80% of mothers breast-feed exclusively for six months, compared to four percent nationally. HHF has developed one of Haiti’s premier public health outreaches to 104 rural mountain villages including operation of satellite clinics and ambulances (one ambulance was donated by the Order of Malta). HHF-trained Health Agents and nurses serve in the villages teaching, treating and triaging. HHF is the largest employer in the Grand Anse with over 160 full-time employees, most of them Haitian. (continued on back cover)

8 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “IN OBEDIENCE?” (continued from page 7) be a harmony between our state of life and the spirit of the Order, although in practice there can be a tension. Our state of life is an expression of our fundamental vocation, unique to each of us but given for the good of the whole Church in our baptism. Membership in the order of Malta should enhance this fundamental vocation. For example, married dames and knights ought to be better spouses and parents because they belong to the Order, and all members should be actively involved in the life of their parish and community. At times we may find ourselves stretched by the demands of family, community and service in the Order. Here is where it is most important that we be clear about what it means to make the Promise of Obedience. Those who seek this are motivated by a desire to devote themselves more completely to the Order, and they may ask the pragmatic question, “So, what do I have to do?” The “obligations” are deceptively simple; deceptive, because the es- sence of the call to obedience is an invitation to a deeper spiritual life. It is not so much a matter of what we do, but how we do it. It represents in a way a desire to enter into the “contemplative” branch of the Order. As you are aware, the eight-pointed Maltese Cross symbolizes the beatitudes. In our service to the sick and the poor, and in our defense of the faith, we express the outward thrust of the cross: God’s love in Christ reaches out to the four corners of the world. To be in obedience is to seek to enter into the heart of the One who proclaimed those beatitudes. This can only be done by intense prayer, which is why the year of preparation for taking this Promise begins and ends each with a five-day retreat. Article 101 of the Code spells out the spiritual duties assumed by those in obedience. Let us consider each of them: a) collaborate with fellow members in prayer and works and to this end is bound to recite daily the credo and one Pater, Ave and Gloria; The fundamental requirement here is collaboration with other members in prayer and works. The specific prayers called for are the “ABC’s” of Catholic spirituality, and their meaning is brought out by Pope John Paul in his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virgins Mariae (#32-34). Any of us who pray the Rosary recite these prayers daily. What is distinctive here is that those in obedience offer these prayers for the needs of the Order. More broadly, Knights and Dames in Obedience should frequently renew their intention to pray consciously and specifically for other members of the Order. b) attend Mass frequently, diligently approach the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist according to the advice of their own spiritual director, and participate in parochial life; We Catholics enjoy a unique privilege: we can take part in the celebration of the Eucharist every day. While not all of us are able to do so, it is certainly incumbent on any in obedience to receive Holy Communion as often as possible. This brings us into communion with Christ Himself and all the members of His Body. If it is true that “an army marches on its stomach,” then we who seek to give our lives in service to our lords the sick and the poor need to be nourished by frequent and fervent reception of the Bread of When a knight or dame makes the Life. Christ present in the Eucharist strengthens us to serve Christ present in the poor. Promise of Obedience, he or she is given To embrace obedience means to desire a deeper conversion of heart. It should come as no surprise that those who make this a crucifix and holds it up for all to see. Promise are called to approach diligently the Sacrament of Penance. Those in obedience commit themselves to do the will of God, no matter the cost; our experience of sin reminds us that each of us falls short in this. Contrition, confession, and amendment to do better equip us to enter the battle of discipleship again, with renewed strength which comes from the grace of God. This section also refers to “their own spiritual director;” in addition to spiritual direction in a formal sense, this could also include a regular confessor, or scheduled conversations with one of the chaplains of the Order. Such direction is one of the principle responsibilities of chaplains, who can offer guidance from the perspective of the traditions and purpose of the Order. What is essential is that each member in obedience meets regularly with an experienced guide to discuss the progress of his or her spiritual life. Taking part in retreats, days of recollection and other spiritual exercises are helpful here as well. However, these communal gatherings are no substitute for meeting individually with one’s spiritual director. A fundamental axiom of philosophy is: “an unexamined life is not worth living.” This is even truer of our spiritual life. Finally, those in obedience should be distinguished by their involvement in the life of their parish. The works of the Order are important; but Knights and Dames should participate in the life of the wider church and this life is lived out primarily in one’s parish. In addition to the exercises called for in this section of the Code, we should also note that a document published by the Order in 1993 (Spiritual Recommendations for Members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta) recommends that all in obedience pray some part of the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline; or the Little Office of Our Lady) and recite daily five decades of the Rosary. While most lay people are familiar with the Rosary, the Psalter is a jewel that many need to rediscover. Although the praying of psalms was a universal practice for many centuries, in more recent times it came to be viewed as a matter to be left to those in monastic life, or to clergy obligated to pray the Breviary. The Second Vatican Council reformed the Office, and urged that all Catholics pray Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer when possible. It is most fitting that Knights and Dames who seek a life of greater holiness join in the daily sanctification of time by praying the psalms inspired by the Holy Spirit. c) take part each year in a course of spiritual exercises of at least three full days in an approved place, and take part in courses and meetings for formation and instruction called by the Superiors; The spiritual emphasis of the Promise of Obedience is highlighted here. Those preparing for obedience take part in two retreats; once the Promise is made, they also commit themselves to an annual retreat together with others who have made this Promise. They also take part in other formational meetings called for by their superiors. These retreats and meetings have as their goals the continual deepening in zeal and prayerfulness that should mark all who are in obedience. The document Spiritual Recommendations exhorts those in obedience to read the Scriptures, the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and documents of the Magisterium. They are to “acquire a suitable knowledge of dogma, Catholic morality and the history of the Church.” One very effective tool in responding to this recommendation is to be found in the study of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which brings together the biblical, patristic and magisterial elements of our Catholic tradition. d) follow the spiritual rule of life approved by the Grand Master, with the deliberative vote of the Sovereign Council. (continued on page 11)

9 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “IN OBEDIENCE?” (continued from page 9) Strategic Plan (continued from page 6)

word. This will promote the mission, and implement the works of the Order by energizing the membership to defend the faith, serve the sick and the poor, and, at the same time, enhance the national image of the Order. • Objective 1: The Communications Committee will develop a ﬁ ve-year comprehensive plan both for internal and external communications for the Association with complete detailed budget implications. • Objective 2: The Communications Committee will be responsible for overseeing the publishing of an Associa- tion Newsletter on a quarterly basis. • Objective 3: The Communications Committee will support the enhancement of the Association’s website and its integration with the Order’s Internet and Extranet sites. • Objective 4: Knights and Dames will be kept fully informed of the activities, initiative and challenges facing the Association. Goal IV: The Order will serve the faith and stem the tide of secularism by being individual and collective models in their Catholic communities and, as a lay religious order, by word and by promoting and defending the truths and teachings of the Magisterium. • Objective 1: The Defense of the Faith Committee will work with the Education Committee to assist it in achiev- ing its goals and objectives • Objective 2: The Association will disseminate papers and positions of the Catholic Church to all members. Goal V: By 2006, the Order will participate in passing along to succeeding generations a vibrant and living faith, informed by study, prayers, education, symposia and lectures, and a working knowledge and deep commitment and appreciation of the mission and the works of the Order at home and throughout the world. • Objective: The Association will establish a plan of education for its members, members in preparation and the Catholic Community in the Roman Catholic Apostolic faith and the mission and works of the Order. The program shall encompass: (1) The moral and social teachings and doctrines of the faith; and (2) the history, present organization, procedures, and works of the Order throughout the world. Goal VI: The Association will participate in deliberations with the two other United States Associations in an effort to ﬁ nd ways for the three associations to work more collaboratively in pursuing the mission of the Order and in its interactions with the Grand Magistry. • Objective: The President will establish a plan to bring about greater unity among the three US Associations Goal VII: By 2005, educate the members of the Order about the classes of membership and encourage members to consider moving from the Third Class to the Second Class as a means of deepening their own spirituality and seeking greater participation in the life of the Order. • Objective 1: A program of education will be formulated to inform the membership about the classes of membership in the Order • The Association will foster formal consideration of establishing a sub-priory.

Fra’ Elie de Comminges Visits Indiana Area (continued from page 4)

Then the group was off to St. Joseph’s Health Center on Chapin Street in one of the poorest sections of South Bend. The Center provides free medical and dental care to the poor and working poor who have no other means of obtaining these services. Sister Maura Brannick, C.S.C., founder of the Center, met Fra’ Elie and discussed the success of the Center in great detail. Over the years the American Association has given three grants to the Cen- ter, one when they were fi rst founded, a second a few years later, and again just last year to help them add a dental clinic to the list of services they provide. The group stopped briefl y at a second Women’s Care Center location that is very close to the St. Joseph’s Health Center on Chapin Street and then proceeded a few blocks down Thomas Street to the Christ Child Society of South Bend, Indiana. This chapter of the National Christ Child Society provides new clothing and new shoes to over 4,400 needy children each year, from toddlers through age 12. The winter weight clothing, conservatively estimated to have a retail value of $100 per child, includes new shoes, fi ve pairs of socks, fi ve pairs of underwear, a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt, a warm winter coat, a hat, and gloves. Layettes are distributed to needy newborn children through all local hospitals and angel layettes, handmade by the members of the Society, are available in all hospitals for infants who die at birth. Fortunately, the need is small. Marjorie Bycraft is a long-term member of the Christ Child Society, a Past President, and has been the clothing buyer for ten years. Including shoes and layettes, the Christ Child Society has an annual clothing budget of roughly $200,000 a year, which is supported by the community through the fundraising efforts of the Society. Several Malta members are involved as hands-on volunteers. That evening a group of approximately twelve members, including a member of the Federal Association who traveled from Chicago, met for dinner at the Summit Club to hear Fra’ Elie’s remarks about his efforts to raise $850,000 to preserve the invaluable archives of the Order in Rome. His slide presentation gave all a glimpse of the current poor storage conditions for these invaluable articles. Fra’ Elie will have an opportunity to make a similar presentation in New York this November. On Tuesday morning, Fra’ Elie fl ew back to New York with the best wishes and prayers of the Indiana membership. We hope he will carry back to Rome a favorable impression of just three of the good works of the Order of Malta in Indiana that he visited.

10 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “IN OBEDIENCE?” (continued from page 9)

This spiritual rule has yet to be developed, but when it is ap- ideal is to deprive oneself of luxuries while retaining a dignified level of proved it will provide a structure for the spiritual life of those in obe- life.” (“Letter to all Knights of Justice and members in Obedience” by dience, and underscore how Knights and Dames in Obedience share HMEH Frá Andrew Bertie, December 8, 1998) a common purpose with all those throughout the world who have 3. Obedience: “By committing himself through obedience to Su- made the Promise. periors in all that concerns the life of the Order, the Knight of Obedi- While awaiting the development of this spiritual rule, it would be ence…ought to understand that obedience means conforming his own helpful to consider additional points to be found in Spiritual Recom- will to that of his Superiors; this is a true expression of the promise that mendations. Knights and Dames are exhorted to take an active part in he has pronounced and the moral engagement he has undertaken.” This the charitable works of the Order. Furthermore, although they do not certainly means a willingness to take on responsibilities in the Order, take vows, those in obedience are called to embrace the Evangelical but again the spiritual element should be noted: conforming one’s will Counsels (poverty, chastity and obedience) according to their circum- to that of his or her Superiors. This is at root a matter of the heart, and stances. speaks to the inner spirit of conversion. 1. Chastity: “As in the case with every other Christian, Knights After speaking of the spiritual qualities called for by those in obedi- of Obedience…have the obligation to observe chastity according to ence, the next article in the Code considers the criteria to be used in as- their state of life…” The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes signing those in obedience to various duties. These should be suited to chastity as “the successful integra- a person’s state in life, abilities and so on. tion of sexuality within the person The fact that this article follows the one and thus the inner unity of man in his …prayer is their greatest service to dealing with spiritual duties is very sig- bodily and spiritual being.” (Catechism nificant, especially in our day. We tend #2337) The succeeding paragraphs in other members of the Order of and to to be a very pragmatic people, but the the Catechism describe the nature of the our lords the sick and the poor. Code of our Order highlights that what integrity sought for here. is essential to obedience is a deepening of 2. Poverty: “A Knight of Obedi- one’s spiritual life. Specific tasks can be ence…, while living according to his proper social state, should avoid undertaken with generosity of heart when a Dame or Knight is striving unnecessary expenses, in order to help the poor and sick to the best to embrace a more intense life of prayer. Those who desire to enter the of his ability.” In a Letter written to members in obedience, the Grand Second Class of the Order of Malta seek above all this more profound Master specifies the meaning of poverty in this way: “If one needs some- life of prayer. This prayer is their greatest service to other members of thing, it does not have to be the most expensive or fashionable. A ser- the Order of and to our lords the sick and the poor. viceable watch does not have to be a Rolex. Is membership of the smart- ©2002, San Francisco, California 94104-1820 est club necessary? Unassuming dress and a sober life style, avoiding Reprinted by permission of His Excellency the Regent of the Sub-Priory too `worldly’ entertainments and gatherings, should be the norm. The of Our Lady of Philermo.

Questions & Answers By Chancellor Joseph H. Miller, KM

Beginning with this issue and to appear in future issues will be a question and answer column for the members of the Order. The column will be the responsibility of Chancellor Joseph H. Miller, KM. Please direct your questions by e-mail [email protected] or mail to: Order of Malta, 1011 First Avenue, Room 1350, New York, NY 10022.

Q: Could you please let me know how many Knights and Dames there are The Grand Master or his Lieutenant, who shall preside over the Council; the throughout the world and how many members we have in the United States? holders of the four High Charges of the Grand Magistry, four Councillors and two Alternates, all elected by the General Chapter. A: T here are approximately 11,000 Knights and Dames throughout the world. In addition, there are over 100,000 volunteers that help support the work of Grand Master – Frá Andrew Bertie: Frá Bertie is the 78th Grand Master of the Order. the Order. He was elected on April 8, 1988 by the Council Complete of State. The origins of the Order in the United States go back to 1926 with the The Grand Master has the rank of Cardinal in the church and has the title founding of the American Association, USA. By 1953 the membership had of “His Most Eminent Highness The Prince and Grand Master.” The Grand become so geographically diverse that the Sovereign Council established the Master is elected for life and is a Professed Knight. Western Association, USA. In 1974 the Sovereign Council approved the formation of the Southern Association, now known as the Federal Association. In the High Charges of the Grand Magistry US, we are represented by 2952 Knights and Dames. The Grand Commander must be a Knight of Justice. Should the Grand American Association – 1617 Master die or be incapacitated, the Grand Commander becomes the acting Federal Association – 750 Head of the Order. The Grand Commander’s responsibilities are religious in Western Association – 585 nature and he is directly concerned with Grand Priories and Sub-Priories. The American Association has members throughout the country and is repre- Organization of Pilgrimages of the Order is included in the responsibilities of sented by 26 areas. Each area is run by an Area Chairperson and Hospitaller. the Grand Commander. Area Chairs are elected by the members of their areas and can serve two consecutive 3-year terms. The Grand Chancellor is the administrative head of the Grand Magistry. He is responsible for all the administrative business and diplomatic affairs Q: Would you please explain how the Government of the Order works and who of the Order. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he is also the the governing officials are? immediate superior of all the diplomatic representatives of the Order. The Grand Hospitaller is responsible for the hospitaller and charitable A: The Order is a sovereign entity and a religious order. The Order activities of the Order. He also has responsibility for developing policy and of Malta has a Government, composed of the Grand Master, four High Charges, coordinating the international charitable activities of the Grand Priories and and the Sovereign Council. This body exercises executive power with regard to National Associations. the members of the Order and to its institutions. The Receiver of the Common Treasure is financial head of the Order, and The Sovereign Council assists the Grand Master in the government of the is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of the Order. Order. The Sovereign Council is composed of:

11 Volume 1 Fall 2004

An Exploratory Trip to Port au Prince, Haiti (continued from page 8) In 1992, HHF collaborated with the Bishop of Jeremie and Good purchased a Land Rover in 2001 to be used as an ambulance to trans- Shepherd Sisters to help establish a School of Nursing and provide tu- port women with obstetric emergencies from the mountainous, remote ition assistance for attendees. The School of Nursing is the only one in villages for safe delivery in the St. Antoine’s Hospital in Jeremie. Again southern Haiti, and it graduates 30 nurses each year. in 2002, lives of women with high risk pregnancies and malnourished In 2002, HHF opened the Center of Hope, with a Maternal Waiting children at the Center of Hope were saved and sustained by a donation Home, a residential facility with 20 beds for women with high-risk preg- from Malta. The HHF community clinic, the Clinic of the People of God nancies and a 20-bed inpatient unit for children suffering from extreme was supported through a benevolent gift by Malta. malnutrition. This Center is the only one of its kind in Haiti. The motto of the Haitian Health Foundation is “Caring for one per- In 1996, HHF began a program of Natural Family Planning using the son, one family, one village at a time.” In dealing with the Third World, Lactational Amenorrhea System which encourages aggressive and exclu- the totality of the problem is usually overwhelming and solutions must sive breast-feeding to delay ovulation. The program has met with such be addressed individually. Each year, one or two youngsters with serious success that USAID has contracted HHF to teach the system to other medical problems are transferred to the United States after I persuade a NGOs in Haiti. physician or surgeon and a hospital to do pro bono treatment. HHF has decreased the mortality of bacterial pneumonia in children In 2004, Marie Joseph, born with a life threatening hemangioma under five by 50% – the only documented decrease of this magnitude in extending beyond the tongue and lips, was treated successfully and has any developing country (CDC 1998). Bacterial pneumonia is one of the returned with a new face and future to Haiti. major causes of childhood deaths in the Third World. Dieuvenie Ally traveled back with me from my September 2004 visit Over 175,000 patient records are in the HHF database, which serves and is entering the Massachusetts General Hospital for surgery to replace as a data source for research, graduate students and grant proposals. her esophagus which was destroyed when she accidentally swallowed lye. HHF has also built St. Pius Village, a series of duplex houses for the Over 100 youngsters born with cleft lip defects have received new extremely poor, blind, handicapped and orphaned. This will be supple- faces with the kindness of surgeons that I have brought to Jeremie to mented in the near future with 10 additional duplexes which will be repair these birth defects. called St. Pius Sanctuary. Without these facilities, the residents would be In 1998, my wife and I were honored to be installed as a Knight and condemned to living in the streets. Dame of Malta. After this we journeyed to Lourdes with gratitude for our Hundreds of volunteers visit HHF’s Clinic of the People of God each many blessings, the multiplication of so many little miracles and the gen- year. Some work for one week; others stay for a few months or several erosity of so many good people. I advise pilgrims to Haiti to look closely years. HHF has short and long-term volunteer quarters which can ac- – the child being fed, the patient receiving treatment, the elderly lady re- commodate up to 20 volunteers in relative comfort. The volunteers share ceiving repairs to her roof… in each face is the suffering Christ calling us their time and talents and treasure leaving Jeremie with a wonderful ex- to bring into their lives the words of Matthew 25, “For I was hungry and perience in caring and compassion. Many say it is like a religious retreat you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger or a pilgrimage, for it is a journey on holy ground. Serving His poorest is and you welcomed me. I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and a privilege and those who serve are blessed and changed forever by the you came to visit me… I assure you, as often as you did it for the least very people whom they go to serve, a people filled with incomprehen- one of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.” For those who decry sible faith and hope. the importance of the individual to change the world, Margaret Mead’s The Haitian Health Foundation’s operating budget is over $2 million words sing very true to the experience of the Haitian Health Foundation: annually. The administrative overhead is only 7%, a modest amount for a “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can charitable organization. change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Funds are raised from individuals, church and civic groups and Foundations. The Order of Malta has been a generous benefactor to For any Knights and Dames who wish to obtain more information The Haitian Health Foundation for the past five years. In 2000, the about The Haitian Health Foundation, visit our website: Order of Malta generously donated to support the Center of Hope. They www.haitianhealthfoundation.org or email: [email protected]

Prayer of the Order Board of Councillors Meetings The following is the schedule for Board of Councillor Meeting during Lord Jesus, Thou hast seen fit to enlist me for Thy service among the Knights and Dames the remainder of 2004 and all of 2005: of Saint John of Jerusalem. November 10, 2004 I humbly entreat Thee through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin of Philermo, of In conjunction with the Annual Investiture and Dinner Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Gerard and all the saints and blessed of our Order, to January 9, 2005 keep me faithful to the tradition of our Order. March 11, 2005 Be it mine to practice and defend the Catholic, the Apostolic, and the Roman Faith Marywood Retreat Center, Switzerland, Florida against the enemies of religion; be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, especially the poor and sick. May 19, 2005 Give me the strength I need to carry out this my resolve, forgetful of myself, learning September 16, 2005 In conjunction with the Membership Conference at Fairfield University ever from the Holy Gospel a spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion, striving ever to promote God’s glory, the world’s peace, and all that may benefit the Order of November 9, 2005 Saint John of Jerusalem. Amen. In conjunction with the Annual Investiture and Dinner

The Beatitudes Executive Ofﬁce 1011 First Avenue, Suite 1350 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. New York, NY 10022-4112 USA Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Telephone: (212) 371-1522 Bless are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisﬁed. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Fax: (212) 486-9427 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. www.maltausa.org Bless are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Editor: John F. Shine Design/Production: Rappy & Company, Inc. Matthew 5: 3-10

Articles for future issues of this newsletter The Cardinal Virtues should be mailed to: John F. Shine, Executive Director Prudence – act rightly in any given situation. American Association Justice – give to each what is due to him, beginning with God. 1011 First Avenue Fortitude – endure difﬁculties and pain for the sake of what is good. New York, NY 10022 Temperance – be moderate in the pleasure and use of created good. or sent via email to: [email protected]