Hospitallers is published quarterly by the Sovereign military hospitaller order of st. john of jerusalem of rhodes and of maltasm AMERICAN ASSOCIATION, U.S.A.

Volume 9 Spring 2012

Lourdes Pilgrimage 3 2012

Blessed Gerard 8 Mecatti

10 Minnesota Library

12 The Foundation Dolan Elevated to Cardinal American Association Pilgrimage to Celebrates With the New Cardinal

ore than seventy members of the American Association trav- eled to Rome on a pilgrimage to pray for the Association’s Prin- cipal as he assumed the role of a prominent Church leader through his elevation to Cardinal. The Papal Consistory Ceremony held at Peter’s Ba- Msilica in the Vatican on Saturday, February 18th, received coverage in the media around the world. Archbishop Dolan was joined by 21 other men who also re- ceived their red hats and the of Cardinal in front of Benedict XVI and thousands of the faithful from around the world. Association Web Site: Be sure to go our Web site at The American Association was led by President Jack E. Pohrer, Chancellor www.orderofmaltaamerican.org to find the latest Howard V. Redgate, Treasurer Joseph M. Cianciolo, Hospitaller Thomas J. Reedy, information about the Association, forms needed Vice Hospitaller Peter J. Kelly, MD, Peter C. Krause, President of the Malta Hu- for new members and new auxiliary members, man Services Foundation, William H. Besgen, Foundation Vice President, as Area Web sites and much more information about well as Board members, Knights and Dames, family and friends of the Associa- the Association and the Order of Malta. Links are tion. In addition to the opportunity to celebrate with Cardinal Dolan, members also available to other Association Web sites and of the pilgrimage visited with the Grand Master, members (continued on page 5) the Sovereign Magistry’s Web site. A message from the President

Dear Confreres, BOARD OF COUNCILLORS Jack E. Pohrer, President ROME Howard V. Redgate, Chancellor It is with great pride that I write to share a once in a lifetime experience for more Joseph M. Cianciolo, Treasurer than 70 Dames and Knights and friends as Pilgrims to Rome. Thomas J. Reedy, Hospitaller The Principal Chaplain of the American Association of the Order of Malta, Peter J. Kelly, MD, Vice Hospitaller Archbishop Timothy Dolan, was elevated to a of the Church as Timothy Marie L. Garibaldi, Secretary Cardinal Dolan on February 18, 2012. Needless to say Rome was alive and crowd- Thomas F. Carney, Jr. ed with the friends, parishioners and family of the 22 Priests that were or Hope E. Carter about to become Cardinals. Michael P. Castine The ceremony, the awesome beauty of St. Peter’s, the music and singing, the Kenneth R. Craig color of the procession with the Bishops’ purple, the Cardinals’ red and the Pope’s white moving to the altar and the Papal Chair were indications of the momentous event that was about to take Sheila D. Feitelberg place. As Cardinal Dolan was processing and when he received his new title kneeling before the Anthony M. Gagliardi, MD Pope, he received long, loud and momentous applause from the assembled. Our Principal Chap- Christopher J. Godfrey lain was truly a favorite not only with the Italians but with the wide cross section of the multi- Peter C. Krause national congregation. JoAnne M. Kuehner It was obvious that Cardinal Dolan became a spokesman for the International Church. His Carole B. Less future as a church leader has begun. While in Rome, the American Association Pilgrims enjoyed Margaret (Meg) M. Lyons the company and dinner with the Grand Master, Frá Matthew Festing, and all the members of the Peter F. Muratore Sovereign Council at the Aventine Palace. Deborah E. O’Hara-Rusckowski Our Group also visited many historical and ancient sites in Rome. While enjoying a private tour P. Declan O’Sullivan of the , Cardinal Dolan appeared, spoke briefly and greeted us and other American Thomas F. Schlafly Pilgrims. It was truly a memorable, enjoyable and once in a lifetime experience. I thank the Pilgrims Ellen S. Shafer that journeyed over 3000 miles to Rome, representing the American Association so proudly. John F. Shine, Ph.D. John R. Sise LOURDES Joseph Sokolowski, MD Before going to Rome, Michael Castine, Jeff Trexler, Hope Carter and I went to Lourdes to tour Timothy Cardinal Dolan, our two new Pilgrimage hotels – The Hotel Mediterranee and The Hotel Alba, both of which have Archbishop of New York, Principal Chaplain undergone extensive, multi-million dollar remodeling. Reverend James P. Cassidy, We are happy to report to our 2012 Lourdes Co-Chairs, DeDe and Dr. Dick Milone that we Assistant Principal Chaplain found the remodeled hotels to be very acceptable and were impressed by the extensive access and Reverend Monsignor Robert T. Ritchie detailed features for the handicapped. Coadjutor Assistant Principal Chaplain There are many pluses to our new hotels especially the ability to assemble with our voitures in a private and safe street, not on the very busy street we have used in the past. Our Co-Chairs DeDe and Dr. Dick Milone look forward to seeing all the Lourdes Pilgrims on May 2nd at the airport in Newark, New Jersey. Board of Directors Malta Human Services RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Foundation As I write these words a couple of days ago, the Senate of the United States voted to emasculate the Peter C. Krause,* President Religious Freedom for all Americans. William H. Besgen, Vice President This is not just a Catholic issue but one that is critical to all those who cherish and enjoy Honorable Marie L. Garibaldi,* Secretary Religious Freedom in America. This erosion of our Constitution must not stand. This battle is not John R. Sise,* Treasurer over! We now must exert all our energy, strength and fervor to the House of Representatives, our Barbara M. Burns next battle ground. Thomas F. Carney, Jr.* This fight is not only for our Religious Freedom but for the future of our children, grandchil- Michael J. Donoghue dren and great grandchildren and all those that come after them. Robert J. Fredericks, Ph.D. I implore you to maintain our stamina – let’s storm Congress with our voices, writing, passion, Peter F. Muratore* and numbers to prevent the beginning of the end of all Religious Freedoms in America. P. Declan O’Sullivan* Remember our mission to defend the Faith and in this case, it is all Religious Faiths. Thomas Pecora Thank you for this and all the good you do. Jack E. Pohrer* God Bless, Howard V. Redgate* Thomas J. Reedy* Frederic V. Salerno Kristy P. Snyder

Jack E. Pohrer, GCM, President * Member of the American Association Board of Councillors 2 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 lourdes pilgrimage Spring 2012 Lourdes Pilgrimage

With this Spring issue of HOSPITALLERS the 2012 American Association Pilgrimage to Lourdes draws ever closer. Preparations are fully underway. Our Co-Presidents of the Pilgrimage, Jack Pohrer and Michael Castine, along with Pilgrimage Coordinator Hope Carter and Executive Director Jeff Trexler journeyed to Lourdes the weekend of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Their many reports back to us have been uniformly heartwarming and exciting. Lourdes Pilgrimage(continued on page 4) 2012: “Ave Mar ia” by Dede and Dick Milone, Co-Chairs, 2012 Lourdes Pilgrimage

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 3 lourdes pilgrimage

The management and the staff at each of our hotels tion. This is why we come on Pilgrimage. eagerly anticipate our arrival. The renovations at the Ho- To one degree or another, we are all malades. We all bring tel Mediterranee have been completed. The hotel lobby is our own physical and spiritual frailties as we come to Lourdes, redone, and now the lobby and the upper balcony and terrace and pray that as we bathe in the waters, and have the opportu- are fully handicapped accessible. Our other hotel, the Alba, nity to reach deep inside ourselves in prayer, we locate a peace where we will be staying for the first time, was completely and a solace that we cannot find anywhere else in our everyday renovated just a little over a year ago. The lobby is bright and lives. There truly is something special about this place. Mary, airy (even with a glass pane waterfall), and the several dining Our Lady of Lourdes, really is here, and is present to us here, rooms are smaller and very attractive. The chapel at the Alba in this place, in a way different from any other. is a very special place, and we plan Exposition of the Blessed But let’s focus for a moment on our “identified” Malades, Sacrament there on Sunday. Between the two hotels, we have those precious, grateful, yet suffering individuals who with been assured of adequate and comfortable meeting rooms for simple trusting faith give themselves over completely to us, all of our prayer and social activities. the Knights, and Dames and Auxiliary of Malta. We, for the The hotels are next door to each other, separated only by most part, know each other, from the last Pilgrimage, from a quiet side street, a perfect place off the bustling and hectic the last Annual Meeting, or the last St. John’s Day Celebra- Avenue du Paradis in which to line-up for our processions to tion. But for them, ill, and away from home, away from fam- the Domain. We have been told, too, that our advance team ily, and probably most importantly away from their familiar has mapped out a slightly different route for our processions, medical care, they find themselves cast with a group of avoiding the narrow bridge in front of the Jean D’Arc Café, strangers, nice people, but still strangers; what a leap of faith where it seems we always arrived at exactly the same moment on their part! Why do they do it, why do they come? They as the largest tour bus that Lourdes has to offer. do it because their faith exceeds ours. They come because So, with our temporal amenities falling nicely into place, they know they will find something here that they cannot we turn now to the real reason for our Pilgrimage to Lourdes, find anywhere else. Yes, maybe a physical miracle, but most to bring our guests, our Malades and their Caregivers, and certainly a spiritual one, a peace, a resolution that cannot be ourselves, to this most holy place. We want to experience that found anywhere else. spiritual joy that comes to us as we walk in procession, as We may bring them to Lourdes, but we come to Lourdes we stand quietly in prayer at the Grotto, and as we lift up our to learn from them. hearts and our voices to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, our Spiri- See you in Lourdes! tual Mother, the source of our Comfort, and of our Consola- Ave Maria. ■

4 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 Reminder Archbishop Dolan Web Only Articles Elevated to Cardinal Be sure to go to our web site at (continued from cover) www.orderofmaltaamerican.org. Click on “News & Events.” of the Sovereign Council, and other dignitaries in a number Click on “Association Newsletters.” Then, click on the “Web of venues. Only Articles” under the 2012 issue of Hospitallers. On Thursday, pilgrims attended a Mass at the Basilica • Ambassador and Mrs. Robert Shafer hosted a reception fea- of Saint Mary Major. On Friday, pilgrims attended Mass at turing the work of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library the Chapel at the Aventine Palace followed by dinner at the (Minnesota). The Malta Study Center, a project focused on Palace. On Saturday, following the Consistory Mass, pilgrims collecting and preserving images of the documents of the attended a reception with the new Cardinal at the Pontifical Island of Malta and the Order, is part of the Library. North American College which was followed by a special tour of the Sistine Chapel where Cardinal Dolan also visited with • A Prayer for the Protection of Life and Religious Freedom the pilgrims. developed by the Little Sisters of the Poor could be added to Sunday morning presented another opportunity for a your daily prayer life. at ’s Basilica followed by free time and a • “Spiritual Reflections” can be found on the tab on the left farewell dinner at the Orsini Palace. navigation bar. The current Sunday’s reflection is available Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as an archive of the previous weeks’ reflections. Grand Cross Conventual Chaplain ad Honorem, has been the • You can find the collection of Malta Minutes in the “Malta Principal Chaplain of the American Association since 2009. Media Ministries” section on the web site. You will also find Over the years, he has been a speaker at the Annual Dinner, a listing of the stations where the Malta Minutes are being the celebrant at the Investiture Mass, Saturday morning Cel- broadcast. Broadcasts are available in English and Spanish. ebrant and Speaker during the Investiture weekend events and a pilgrim on the Lourdes Pilgrimage. He is also a best-selling • Copies of all of the previous Hospitallers newsletters are author and a beloved pastoral leader in the . ■ available on the web in the “News & Events” section on the left navigation bar.

Opportunity Help Wanted: College Intern for Communications Work

The Executive Office of the American Association is looking for a college student with a background in writing and communications for an intern position in the New York office. The position will require at least four hours per week and could be up to ten hours, depending on the student’s schedule and interest. A prospective intern should have a strong knowledge of the Catholic Faith, great writing skills, and basic computer skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A knowledge of graphics would also be helpful. If you know someone who is interested, please have them contact Michael Castine, Chairman of the Communications Committee, through the New York office.

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 5 Subpriory is a “spiritual family” within a larger family which A Report From The is the Order of Malta,” a statement found in the 2011 “Regu- lations and Commentary on the Order of Malta. I would Regent of The Subpriory also ask us to remember to serve all our fellow members in the Associations and to work behind them in serving the of Our Lady of Lourdes, sick and poor. We can take no precedence as servants of our February, 2012 Lords, the sick and poor. “What is the Nature of the Promise?” by Joseph G. Metz, Ph.D., Regent The Promise we make (to be Obedient) is close to the vow made in a religious order. “A Deeper Commitment to the It is greater than a commitment in a pious commu- Order of Malta Through the nity of prayer. It is an innovation within the norms of the Promise of Obedience” Church; it is close to the obliging nature of vows of a reli- gious order. (Regulations and Commentary). he Subpriory of Our Lady The Promise entails an obligation to hear and act upon of Lourdes was established the Word in every hour and every day! It is, indeed, joy- by H.M.E.H., the Prince ful and is intended to bring happiness to the soul. I would and Grand Master, with the like to add that we make the “Promise” to God, and only approval by the Sovereign indirectly to our Superiors in the Order, whether it be to the Council in the year 2006. Hence, we have T Prince and Grand Master, the Grand Commander, or to the celebrated our fifth anniversary year. Regent or his delegate. While they, indeed, are our religious There are two subpriories in the United superiors within the Order, they are only instruments of the States, the first being the Subpriory of Lord Himself. Our Lady of Philermo, founded in 2002 The Promise can also be described (as it is in the and whose territory is that of the Western Association of the Regulations and Commentary) as a bilateral obligation Order of Malta. The territory of the Subpriory of Our Lady between the candidate and the Church, with the superiors of Lourdes encompasses that of both the American and of the Order representing the Church; thus the obligation Federal Associations. is with God. We in the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes, following Membership in the Subpriory, then, is membership in our Confreres and Consoeurs in the Subpriory of Our Lady a religious community, and those who enter make an open of Philermo, wish to assist our Members, Knights of Justice profession to follow the path to perfection in the commu- and Knights and Dames in Obedience, in fulfilling their nity of a Subpriory. Within this community, we seek what spiritual obligations and in being a strong, shining light to is useful to others, to love each other unselfishly, and to be members of the Third Class in the development and practice brothers and sisters in the same family. of their charism and spirituality. “Membership” “What is Obedience?” The Subpriory currently has 51 Knights and Dames in Members of the Subpriory in the Second Class make the Obedience, 28 from the American Association and 23 from “Promise of Obedience.” the Federal Association. 17 Knights and Dames are now It is between the vows of the Professed Knights of the in a year of preparation before they make their Promise. First Class and the commitment of the Knights and Dames of The Subpriory is also the spiritual community of our four the Third Class. Knights and Dames of Obedience “promise:” members who have made their perpetual vows as Knights To live a life leading to Christian perfection in the spirit of of Justice, a member who has made his first Temporary the works of the Order; Vows, and a member whose petition to enter the Aspirancy To attend Mass frequently and to recite certain daily prayers; to the Novitiate for the First Class has been approved by the To take part in annual spiritual exercises, including a 3-day Sovereign Council. (It is the special mission and duty of the retreat each year. Subpriory to encourage vocations to the First Class). As Fra’ John Dunlap, a member of the Sovereign Coun- cil wrote when he was the first Regent of the Subpriory, “” “Being admitted to the Second Class (Obedience) is not a The Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes has two Chaplains. promotion nor is it an honor. It is a commitment to a deeper The Principal Chaplain is the Very Reverend John McGuire, personal spirituality within the Order and availability to O.P., Conventual Chaplain of the Order. The Assistant perform further duties for the Order.” I would add that the Chaplain is Monsignor James Watkins, Magistral Chaplain.

6 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 Father McGuire is of St. Joseph’s Church, New York line of authority to the Subpriory within the Order of Malta City, and Msgr. Watkins is Pastor of the Immaculate Con- comes from His Most Eminent Highness, the Prince and ception Church, Washington, D.C. Grand Master, through His , the Grand Com- “Process for Admission to Membership mander to the Regent of the Subpriory. in the Second Class” “Interdependence of ‘Obedience’ A Member interested in pursuing Obedience begins by writ- and ‘Community’” ing to the President of his or her Association requesting per- We in the Subpriory are a community of prayer, but we are mission to go forward. If approved, the President forwards also very much a part of the larger community of the Order the candidate’s application papers to the Regent. Thereafter with whom we are called upon to serve. We are a reminder the application is reviewed by the Council of the Subpriory that we are a lay religious order and that we are all called and, if approved, the Regent writes a letter of support to upon to make a deeper commitment to serve the sick and the Grand Commander asking His Excellency to approve poor and witness the Faith. ■ the candidacy and to put the Petition before H.M.E.H., the Prince and Grand Master, and their , the Mem- In memorium bers of the Sovereign Council. It is the Grand Master, with the consent of the Sovereign Council and a “Nihil Obstat” from the of the Order, who admits a member to the preparation period and, after the end of the year of prepara- Deceased Members tion, who will, in the same manner, welcome a new Knight January 1, 2012 – Present or Dame in Obedience into the Second Class of the Order. It is the Regent’s role to help the candidate prepare for E. Gerard Berrigan, KM Rye, NY a year of preparation which begins with a five-day retreat at a retreat house approved by the Regent. A spiritual director John J. Brogan, KM Chatham, MA for each candidate is appointed to assist the candidate in the John F. X. Browne, KM Bloomfield Hills, MI year of preparation. William D. Capodanno, Sr., KM Crawford, NJ “Governance of the Subpriory” Pursuant to its Bylaws, the Subpriory is governed by a Re- John J. Downey, MD, KM Port Jefferson, NY gent, who is assisted by a Council, consisting of a Vice-Re- Theresa Hanley, DM Mashpee, MA gent, Chancellor, four elected Councillors, and two ex-offi- cio Councillors, the Presidents of the American and Federal The Honorable Thomas R. Sullivan, KM Staten Island, NY Associations. The Regent and the Councillors serve six year terms and are elected by the Members of the Subpriory. The

Calendar of Events

May 2 – May 8 September 8 November 8 Lourdes Pilgrimage XXVII Feast of Our Lady of Philermo Malta Human Services Foundation Board Meeting (NYC) May 16 September 11 Malta Human Services Foundation Board Malta Human Services Foundation Board November 8 Meeting (NYC) Meeting (NYC) Board of Councillors Meeting (NYC) May 17 September 13 November 9 Board of Councillors Meeting (NYC) Board of Councillors Meeting (Boston) Annual Investiture (NYC) June 24 November 6 Feast of Saint John the Baptist U.S. Presidential Election

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 7 Federico was a Knight of the Order caring for him that, “I should like to eat of St. John and was called upon to join some cherries.” She thought he was de- the Third Crusade in Syria. Gerard was lirious asking for such fruit in the midst made a ‘servant of arms’ in the Order of winter. He insisted, however, and and accompanied Folchi on his jour- she went out at least partly convinced ney. During one of the battles in Syria, that she would find cherries. There, in both men were taken prisoner and a small enclosure, she saw a cherry tree Folchi suffered greatly. They were later full of very red and very ripe fruit “as ransomed and Gerard cared for and as- fine and fresh as in June.” sisted Federico who eventually died in In a picture sent by Frá Francis Jerusalem. Gerard returned to Florence dell’Antella, Commander of Saint James but, after several years passed, another in Campo Corbellini, in Florence, knight of the Order, recognizing the sent to Frá James Bosio, historian of power of Gerard’s prayers, enjoined him the Order, Blessed Gerard Mecatti is to accompany him on the crusade back dressed in grey but wearing the cross of to Palestine. Saint John on his breast and carrying a During the sea voyage to the Holy branch loaded with red cherries. Land, they were attacked by Muslim pi- On May 13, 1254, he died in his rates and for his bravery and leadership hermitage. Out of concern that his body during a particularly fierce battle Ge- would be dug up by overly pious villag- rard was decorated by the Grand Master ers seeking to divide his relics, his body Blessed with “The Cross of a Serving Knight”, a was placed not far from his hermitage decoration reserved for members of the in the branches of an oak tree. But this Gerard Mecatti . Gerard spent seven years in the did not deter their zeal and the Re- Holy Land serving the sick and poor public of Florence had to send soldiers The “ of the Order” column and during this time became a Knight to protect the saint in that elevated is provided by John Dick, KM, of the Order. He became widely known position. So, it was decided to build Hospitaller of the Minnesota Area. for his sanctity and, out of fear for his a church in his honor in Villamagna own salvation from pride, he decided to where he now rests, under the main hile the hagiog- return to Villamagna. altar, in a reliquary of stone. As late as raphy regarding The voyage home was no less the 17th century, his body was still well the lives of certain dangerous then it was on the way to the preserved and intact; it emitted a pleas- of the saints and Holy Land and Gerard and his compan- ing fragrance, as could be corroborated blesseds of our Or- ions survived a severe storm through every year on the day of his feast –­ the derW is sometimes uncertain, there is no fervent prayers. Upon his arrival in second day of Pentecost – when it was doubt as to the authenticity of Blessed Florence Gerard reputedly took the hab- shown to the people. ■ Gerard Mecatti who in 1174 was born it of the Third Order of St. Francis from in the town of Villamagna, not far from the founder himself, while remaining in Florence, . Following Saints Hugh the Order of St. John. Wearing the hab- and Ubaldesca, he is the most famous of its of both Orders, one over the other, the saints venerated by our Order. His he continued to wear the White Cross tomb can be seen in the small Oratory of Religion and observed the vows and bearing his name in Villamagna. promises of each Order. Gerard’s parents were peasants He retired to a desolate hovel near and caretakers of the villa and estate of his birth place and there lived as a her- the nobleman Federico Folchi. When mit for the rest of his days occupying Gerard was 12 years old, his parents himself with contemplation and pen- died from an outbreak of the plague, ance. His reputation for sanctity grew and Folchi, seeing the piety and hon- and he was known among the people as esty of young Gerard, raised him as a the Hilarion or Anthony of his age. member of his own family, entrusting Finally, the saint fell ill, and him with the administration of all that were sent to take care of him. One he possessed. January night he told one of the sisters

8 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 highlights The Heart of the Liturgical Year: Forming Our Hearts in Holy Week

The high point of every week is On Holy Thursday, the washing of feet occurs after the hom- our active participation at Sunday ily. The celebrant removes his chasuble and kneels before the Mass. The recent introduction of (traditionally twelve) selected men. If a is present, we better English translations of our see that he is wearing a dalmatic underneath the chasuble. This liturgical prayers has taken us off diaconal vestment shows the role of service which is the foun- of “autopilot.” As we learn the new dation of all priestly and episcopal ministry. Before we approach words of the prayers we can more the altar all of us must be committed to sharing Christ’s love importantly discover what they with one another. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us: “Each celebra- mean, their scriptural references, tion of the Eucharist makes sacramentally present the gift that and how they should shape our the crucified Lord made of His life, for us and for the whole lives as disciples of the Lord Jesus. world. In the Eucharist Jesus also makes us witnesses of God’s Everything we do each Sunday is an abbreviation of the Sacred compassion towards all our brothers and sisters. The Eucharistic Triduum. Thus there is no better way to “unpack” our weekly mystery thus gives rise to a service of charity towards neigh- encounter than by studying the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good bor…” (Sacramentum Caritatis #88). Friday, and Easter. For members of the Order of Malta, we want The “new commandment” given after the washing of the dis- to do this with particular reference to our charism. With the ciples’ feet shows us that this requires more of us than simply limitations of this article, let’s focus on the connection of Holy doing things for other people (cf. Jn. 13:34). We are to love one Thursday’s “Mass of the Lord’s Supper” with our mission of another as Jesus has loved us—it means shaping our hearts to obsequium pauperum. love as He loves! This is far more challenging than simply feeding Theologically this celebration commemorates the institution of the hungry and caring for the sick. We cannot accomplish this on the sacraments of the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Eucha- our own. In Holy Communion, Jesus’ Love enters into our hearts rist as well as the “new commandment” to love one another to remake them like His. It is for us to seek union with Christ so as Jesus has loved us. It was no coincidence that the Lord that we can cooperate with His grace to transform the way we see placed these three together—they necessarily depend upon each other and respond to each other in love. Attendance at all of one another. Without the priesthood, there is no Eucharist. the Holy Week liturgies, going to daily Mass, and committing to Without the Eucharist, there is no Church. Blessed John Paul Eucharistic adoration are the best ways that we can more deeply II began his final : “The Church draws her life from immerse ourselves in this mystery. the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily This brings us to a startling conclusion. The charitable works of the experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery Church could have been entrusted to the angels who would do them of the Church” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia #1). Right after He faster and better. The point of entrusting humans with the mission washed their feet, Jesus told His disciples that the world would of spreading God’s Love is that our hearts may be formed to be recognize them by their love (cf. Jn. 13:35). Pope Benedict Christ-like as we perform these works of charity. The one in need is XVI expounds upon this: “The entire activity of the Church is as much a blessing to us as we are to the one whom we serve. We an expression of a love that seeks the integral good of man… desperately need to come into contact with the suffering of others Love is therefore the service that the Church carries out in to evoke from us the compassion, generosity, and humble service order to attend constantly to man’s sufferings and his needs, which Jesus is trying to awaken in our hearts. including material needs” (Deus Caritas Est #19). As members of a lay religious order, we find in the charism of It is clear that the loving service which Christians render to our obsequium pauperum not just a focus for apostolic activity but the brothers and sisters must be rooted in our encounter with the God means of personal sanctification. It is our vocation to care for the who is Love as He gives Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus sick and the poor so that we can live up to our baptismal call to washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper and explained that He holiness. In the Holy Eucharist we find the encounter with Jesus was giving us an example. The washing of feet shows the humil- who fills us with His Love and teaches us how to love. This is what ity and generosity which accompany the self-sacrifice of Jesus in guided and sustained Blessed Gerard and our saintly predecessors offering us His Body and Blood. We are to learn from His example. and opened for them the way to the Kingdom of Heaven. Sometimes we can serve others without letting it flow from our This article was written by the Very Reverend Joseph Johnson, hearts. This is where we need the liturgy to teach us. of Saint Paul’s Cathedral and a Magistral Chaplain for the Minnesota Area.

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 9 he Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML), Minnesota Library sponsored by Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota, has been photo- Photographically graphically preserving manuscripts in Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East since 1965. The Preserves Maltese TBenedictine founded HMML as a response to the loss of libraries during the two World Wars. One of the world’s Culture, History foremost resources for the preservation and study of Chris- tian manuscripts, HMML has preserved over 120,000 manu- and Heritage scripts, totaling more than 40 million pages. These resources are made available to artists, authors, historians, scientists, scholars and all who study human civilization. The Hill Museum & Manuscript Within HMML, the Malta Study Center is preserving Library believes manuscripts are manuscripts that contain the history, heritage and culture of the Maltese Islands. HMML’s connection with Malta began in the most important sources for 1970, when Dr. Joseph Micallef, U.O.M., KM, the Honorary Consul General of Malta for St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota understanding a people’s history urged Dr. Julian Plante, then HMML’s director, to microfilm and culture. Malta’s manuscripts. In 1973, they secured funding to create the Malta Study Center, and began work in the Archives of By Theresa Vann, Ph.D., Curator, Malta Study Center the Cathedral Museum of Mdina. Before photography could begin, a considerable invest- ment of time was spent sorting materials, stabilizing fragile manuscripts, and cataloging the archives. After microfilm- ing numerous private and ecclesiastical collections in Malta

10 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 and Gozo, the Center began microfilming the Archives of the A momentous event occurred in 2004 when the Malta Knights of Malta in the National Library in Valletta. By the Study Center received a National Endowment for the Human- time the Center stopped microfilming in the mid 1990s, it ities (NEH) Challenge Grant. The grant contributed $600,000 had photographed more than 16,000 manuscripts, registers, to $1.8 million contributed by friends and foundations. The musical compositions and documents relating to the history $2.4 million effort endowed the Center and allowed long- of Malta and the Knights of Malta, covering the period of the range planning to take place. To fulfill a criterion of the grant, twelfth to the twentieth century. a committee called “The Friends of the Malta Study Center” Upon Dr. Plante’s retirement in 1990, HMML’s new ex- was created in 2010. The committee is chaired by Dr. Joseph ecutive director, Fr. Eric Hollas OSB, KM, made it a priority S. Micallef, U.O.M., KM, and includes: Nicky Carpenter, DM, to begin cataloging the microfilmed Malta materials. HMML Frá Elie de Comminges, former librarian at the Grand Ma- also began its transition to electronically cataloging its gistral Archives and Libraries in Rome, Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB, manuscripts and archives thus allowing off-site researchers to KM, and Ambassador Robert Shafer, KM, Permanent Ob- access the collections. When Dr. Theresa Vann was hired as server of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the United the curator of the Malta Study Center in the summer of 1995, Nations and Fr. Columba Stewart, OSB, executive director of she began creating a computerized catalog. HMML. The Friends advise the curator and support the work Vann found that since 1973, the Malta Study Center had of the Center. an inventory of more than 20,000 separate microfilm items: With financial support from the three American asso- charters, registers, codices, books, music scores, prints, court ciations of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, today the transcripts, account books and just plain miscellanea. After Malta Study Center has the largest collection of books and matching microfilm inventory cards with the microfilm, clas- archival materials pertaining to Malta and the Knights of sifying the archives, and struggling with the black and white Malta in one location. microfilm images, she published the first online version of the In addition to the Malta Study Center, HMML is cur- electronic Malta Study Center in the fall of 1995. Immediate- rently preserving collections at 11 studios in 8 countries. ly, she began to receive inquiries from researchers in Malta, HMML also offers exhibits, publications, workshops, tours, England and Australia, who had never heard of the Center, educational presentations, reference materials and displays but who found it online. of original pages from The Saint John’s Bible. Recognized Today there are two separate electronic finding aids for the as a world-leader in manuscript preservation, in December, Malta archives on the Internet: the Malta Study Center Web HMML was awarded the nation’s highest honor for libraries, site and the searchable database of HMML’s microfilm and the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service digital holdings. They are both free and accessible from any- from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. ■ where via the Internet. The Center’s free worldwide access to Visit: www.hmml.org for more information about the Hill its catalog is an important service, since no Maltese institution Museum & Manuscript Library and the Malta Study Center yet has the resources to put the catalogs of its holdings online. The new millennium brought opportunities for the Reminder Malta Study Center. In October 2003, Saint John’s University awarded an honorary doctorate to Frà , Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. His High- Journal of Spirituality ness visited the Malta Study Center when he came to the University to receive the degree. After hearing about HMML’s (N 12) Available new digital projects in Lebanon, Frà Bertie recognized the The latest edition of the Journal of Spirituality, Volume Number 12, potential for the Library of the Magistral Palace in Rome. titled “Order of Malta and New Evangelization” is now available. The Malta Study Center gave a digital photography studio to the Order in return for copies of the archives, rare books The volume begins with a message from the Grand Master, Frá and manuscripts. Matthew Festing. There is an introduction as well as an essay by In 2004, Dr. Vann was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship the Prelate of the Order, Archbishop Angelo Acerbi. The Journal that allowed her to continue preservation work in Malta. offers a remarkable opportunity for members to gain a deeper Contacts made during her fellowship led to an agreement understanding of this important topic. with the National Archives of Malta to digitize the archives of the Magna Curia Castellania – 1,411 volumes of the civil law If you would like to receive a copy, contact Maria DiGiacomo at courts of Malta under the rule of the Knights, dating from the Executive Office in New York at 212-371-1522 or send her an 1543 and 1798. She also began building a relationship with e-mail request at [email protected]. Be sure to the Notarial Archives of Malta which resulted in a preserva- include your correct mailing address. tion project at that location in 2009.

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 11 who will have an opportunity to recommend adjustments. In 2013, each Area will have an Area Grants Committee which The Foundation will manage the process within the Area, subject to a protocol Plays an Important developed and approved by the Board of Councillors. to final approval, the Executive Director will review the Area Role in the decisions to ensure that the protocol was followed. In 2012, the Foundation will transfer $430,000 from American Association its resources to the American Association to provide criti- cal funding for the Grants Program. The Association also Grants Cycle contributes to the Grant funding pool. The money from the Foundation comes from the Foundation’s endowment he Grants Cycle is underway for the American Association. All requests for Association grants which has been built over the years through the generosity are in the New York office and will be reviewed of Knights and Dames and through investment growth. Mr. by the Grants Committee; recommendations Peter C. Krause, KM, a member of the Board of Councillors, will be presented to the Board of Councillors is President of the Malta Human Service Foundation which Tat its May meeting. Once approved, grant checks will be has the responsibility for the stewardship of the Founda- disbursed in June. tion’s endowment; he is also the Chairman of the American As you know, a Strategic Planning Committee developed Association’s Grants Committee. His combined role puts Mr. a set of recommendations, approved by the Board of Council- Krause in an ideal position to see the impact of the Founda- lors and the Foundation Board, which will fundamentally tion’s funding on the overall ability of the Grants Program to change the way the grants funding and distribution process fund critical projects in the Grants cycle. will work in 2013. For 2012, the Grants Committee will “While everyone agrees that $430,000 is a lot of money, add an additional step in the current process by reviewing we also know that the need is much greater,” said Mr. Krause. its recommendations for Area Grants with the Area Chairs “Even when combined with the American Association con-

12 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 highlights tribution of over $200,000, there is going to be a significant Prison Ministry shortfall. For example, the total amount requested in 2011 was in excess of $1.9M. We were able to fulfill only about Join the Grand Master In 30% of the funding requested.” Supporting This Important Work “In 2013, Areas will receive an allocation based on their Prison Ministry, a signature headcount directly from funding from the American As- ministry of the American sociation. The Foundation’s funds will be used for Interna- Association with activity in tional Grants, Strategic Grants for domestic projects and for most of the 29 Areas of the Lourdes, if needed.” Association, has received Mr. Krause continued, “Roughly 30% of the total Grants another personal vote of Program funding will be used for International Grants. The confidence from the Grand remainder of the Foundation’s funding will be used for a lim- Master. This ministry has received the support of the Grand Master ited number of key strategic grants for domestic projects. The in the past through his introductory letters which are published in the growth of the endowment, coupled with the strategic changes front of the Prison Ministry Bibles and Prayer Books. These publi- to the Grants process in place for 2013, positions the Founda- cations are produced by the Prison Ministry Committee under the tion to tell an important story to our members and to other direction of Robert Fredericks, PhD, KMOb, with the financial support potential donors.” of the American Association. “We will be removing an entire level of control – some Frá Matthew Festing recently sent the following e-mail to Dr. Fred- call it bureaucracy – and asking our Areas to make the ericks, with an article he has written for the Summer edition of “The determinations on where the Area should spend its grant Serving .” The feast of Saint John the Baptist, Patron of the allocation. The creation of the pool for Strategic Grants gives Order of Malta, is June 24th. us the opportunity to tell our story in an entirely new way. Dear Confrere, This should interest our Knights and Dames who are involved Following our exchange of emails, I attach a short piece which in the hands-on work of helping the sick and the poor and I have written on the subject of St. John the Baptist which I defending the faith.” hope is the sort of thing you want. I think that it is a little bit longer than at least one article in a previous issue of ‘The Serv- Mr. Krause said that the Foundation Board continues to ing Brother’ but no doubt you will edit it if you want to. study ways to increase the endowment. Last November, the I could have added more – the story of the Visitation for Foundation sent out the first of its Annual Appeal letters, a instance, but one could go on forever! direct request to Knights and Dames to make contributions Do not hesitate to let me know if you want it rewritten. to grow the endowment. The timing of the letter will be With my best wishes and prayers for the success of the work changed in 2012 and the letter seeking your support will be that you are doing in the prisons. sent in the summer. “The Foundation has proven to be a good Fra’ Matthew steward for the generous donations made by Knights and This newsletter is published by Steven Caron, KM, a Knight from the Dames in the past, and will continue to be a good steward go- Boston Area, under the direction of the Prison Ministry Committee. It ing forward,” said Mr. Krause. “As the endowment grows, our is supported financially by the American Association and distributed ability to make a greater impact on the works of the Associa- to prisons throughout the eastern part of the United States. tion and the Order grows proportionally.” “The Serving Brother” is available on the Association Web site, Mr. Krause asked that all members take the Annual Ap- www.orderofmaltaamerican.org, in the Prison Ministry section. peal seriously and be generous in their response. He said, A notice will be posted in the News and Events section when the “Over the last ten years, over $4,000,000 has been allocated Summer issue is available. In the meantime, you can review previous by the Foundation to fund the Grants Program. With your issues on the Web site. The Committee has received many letters of help in growing the endowment, your generosity can con- gratitude from incarcerated men and women, thanking them for the tinue to have an impact for years and years to come on the work of the Association, often with particular reference to the posi- programs deemed so critical to our hands-on mission to serve tive impact of the Bibles, Prayer Books and “The Serving Brother” newsletter distributed to prisoners. the sick and the poor and to defend the faith.” ■ For more information on how you can become involved in Prison This article was submitted by John R. Sise, KM, member of Ministry, see your Area Chair or contact Dr. Fredericks through the the Board of Councillors and Treasurer of the Malta Human Executive Office in New York. Services Foundation

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 13 In the Baths at Lourdes The Baths of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes are marble bathing pools where pilgrims are immersed as they The following information is derived respond to the request of Our Lady to Bernadette to drink from information on the Lourdes of the spring and wash there. Going through the Baths at Sanctuary Web site: Lourdes is a human and spiritual experience carried out by pilgrims who wish to renew their Baptismal Commit- ach year, about 350,000 pilgrims go through the ment. The water for the Baths is provided by the spring of Baths as a means towards reconciliation. the Grotto. This process is a response to the invitation of There is free access to the Baths; there is no need to the Blessed Virgin to Bernadette on 25th Feb- make a reservation. Pilgrims do not need to bring anything ruary 1858, “Go drink of the spring and wash with them. All that is required is provided on the spot to Eyourself there.” preserve a person’s modesty and dignity. Pilgrims are ad- The building itself is situated past the Grotto and was vised to arrive about an hour before the opening times. ■ constructed in 1955 and upgraded in 1972 and 1980. There are 17 baths in total, 11 for women and 6 for men. Each sec- Hours of Operation: tion contains a smaller bath for children. [The process is] to gradually immerse people for a few moments in water that is April to October: kept at a constant 12°C (54°F). Weekdays: 9:00am to 11:00am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm During the immersion, the pilgrims are requested to Sundays and Holidays: 2:00pm to 4:00pm present their intentions to Our Lady, the Sign of the Cross is November to March: made by the pilgrim at the moment of immersion; then invo- Weekdays: 10:00am to 11:00am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm cations to Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette [are said]. Sundays and Holidays: 2:30pm to 4:00pm

14 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 highlights In Defense of the Faith difficult issues, and to stand with the Church. The challenge has never been greater, the opportunity never more immediate. I know I have been communicating with you by e-mail rather frequently in the last month on the issues created by the Presi- dent and the HHS Mandate. While the basic requirements of the mandate are serious enough, the issue runs deep and to the core of the essential freedom on which this country has been built. The religious protections described in the first amendment have often been called the “first freedom” for good reason. It is why so many of the first settlers came to this country – to escape the religious tyranny in their home country. Now, we are faced with a dramatic challenge related to this basic freedom and we need to take action. We have the right as Americans and the duty as Catholics and the promise as Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta to stand by our Church, to push back on the politicians and leaders and to demand that the rights of conscience and religious freedom be honored. Your actions to contact your legislators are commendable and make me proud. We cannot let up the pressure until the changes “Today, the defense of the faith means, above all, the wit- we seek, for the good of our Church and our country, are ness to the truth of Christianity by what one says and what forthcoming. I urge you to study the issues, identify those in a one does… position to take action, and let them know in no uncertain terms, To defend the faith often means, especially in our time, where you stand and what you require. to defend basic values which human reason, without the light of revelation, is in danger of not being able to grasp This letter was written by Jack E. Pohrer, GCM, radically or completely enough. Such are, for example, the President of the American Association. dignity of man, the nature of the family, and the fundamen- tal right to life” John Paul II in a speech to the new Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the : October 13, 1997 When a Knight or a Dame is invested as a member of the Order of Malta, they say the following words at the Solemn Mass: I promise, calling on the name of God, in chivalrous fidelity, always to bear witness to the Catholic Faith, to defend the Church, and to lead my life in accordance with the teachings of Holy Mother Church. With these words, the new member publically promises that he or she will live a life in conformity with the teachings of the Church. In a time where the term “cafeteria Catholic” has never been more obvious than in some of the elected in the United States, members of the Order of Malta commit them- selves not to pick and choose, not to compromise on the more

Vol 9 Spring 2012 | Hospitallers | 15 Volume 9 Spring 2012

Executive Office 1011 First Avenue, Suite 1350 New York, NY 10022-4112 USA Telephone: (212) 371-1522 Fax: (212) 486-9427 The Catechism of the Catholic Church www.orderofmaltaamerican.org Part 3, Chapter 3, Article 3 Executive Office Staff

ARTICLE 3 Rev. Dr. Jeffrey R. Trexler THE CHURCH, MOTHER AND TEACHER Executive Director Raymond J. LaRose II. The Precepts of the Church Assistant Executive Director, Newsletter, Board Meetings The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nour- Kathleen L. Lyons ished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the Controller pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum Maria Di Giacomo in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor: Administrative Assistant The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obliga- for Member Services tion and rest from servile labor”) requires the faithful to sanctify the day com- Carla L. Gunerard memorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principle liturgical feasts Program Coordinator honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the for Major Events first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian Matthew T. LaRose community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could IT Systems Manager/Assistant to the Controller impede such a sanctification of these days. Miquan A. McLaurin Administrative/Accounting Assistant The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year”) ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, Ann R. Peabody Program Support – Lourdes, Annual Dinner which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness. Kathleen Glynn Trabucco The third precept (“You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during Administrative/Communications Project Support the Easter season”) guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body

and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Design/Production: Rappy & Company, Inc. Christian liturgy. Articles for future issues of this The fourth precept (“You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence estab- newsletter should be mailed to: lished by the Church”) ensures the times of ascesis [self-discipline]and penance Raymond J. LaRose which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our American Association instincts and freedom of heart. 1011 First Avenue, Suite 1350, New York, NY 10022 or sent via email to: [email protected] The fifth precept (“You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church”) means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each © 2012 Order of Malta®, American Association, U.S.A. according to his own ability. The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities. ■ From The Catechism of the Catholic Church which is available on the USCCB Web site at http://old.usccb.org/catechism/text/entiretoc1.shtml Change of address (physical or virtual)? Please notify the New York office of all changes of address. If your primary mailing address or your e-mail address changes, please be sure to notify the Our Mission American Association’s administrative team. Just The American Association of the Order of Malta, carefully observing the centuries-old send a note to the New York office or send an e-mail to [email protected] or call tradition of the Order, has as its mission, to enhance the glory of God through the our office at(212) 371-1522. Maintaining correct sanctification of its members, through dedication to and defense of the faith and the addresses ensures that you will receive mailings Holy See and through service to our fellow man, especially the sick and poor. on a timely basis. It can also save the American 16 | Hospitallers | Vol 9 Spring 2012 Association a significant amount of time and money.