Hospitallers is published quarterly by the Sovereign military hospitaller order of st. john of of rhodes and of malta® Volume 5 Summer 2008 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION, U.S.A.

www.maltausa.org

Fellow members of the American Association: Order of Malta Worldwide Relief A Celebration in Philadelphia: Malteser International Brings his year’s “traveling Board Meeting” was held at the Hilton Hotel in Philadelphia on Experience, Hope and Help to those in Need T May 23rd. But the main event that day was held near there in the most beautiful Chapel of St. s members of the Order of Malta, we seek Martin of Tours at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. opportunities to fulfill the Order’s mission of This was a wonderful Solemn Mass during which I, helping the sick and the poor through our representing His Most Eminent Highness, Prince and A Hospitaller works. While much of our work is local, Grand Master, Fra’ , was honored to carried on in the territory of our own Association, bestow upon His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, the Order of Malta is assisted in its Hospitaller works the highest dignity of the Order — Bailiff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion. worldwide through the activities of Malteser Inter- Also present at the Mass were His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, national. You have read the moving stories of those Bailiff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion of the Order, and His Excellency Allen impacted by conflicts and natural disaster — those Vigneron, Conventual Chaplain of the Order, and Bishop of Oakland, California. whose lives have been transformed by its good works. The ceremony and the ensuing and very enjoyable reception at the seminary The organization’s mission is not merely to provide Care for victims of sexual aggression in the were attended not only by the clergy, Board of Councillors members and DR Congo emergency relief, but also to implement rehabilitation members of the American Association in the Philadelphia Area, but also by measures and to facilitate the link between emergency several members of the Federal Association and local members of the Eques- relief and sustainable development. trian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Malteser International is committed to provide relief ‘on the spot’. It has successfully met All of this was planned and organized by a team of our Philadelphia members, the challenge of working in partnership with those affected by disaster by creating opportu- led by Dr. John Haas, KM, our Area Chair in Philadelphia, and President of the nities for rehabilitation and development while ensuring that the most basic human needs National Catholic Bioethics Center. The Center was consecrated to Our Lady of are met. In the face of enormous challenge, it has consistently risen to the task, creating and Lourdes at the end of the Mass. expanding its programs in the wake of truly catastrophic events. From constructing rainwa- ter-harvesting tanks that provide fresh water to thousands of families affected by the Asian Haitian Food Crisis: Tsunami to supporting efforts to rebuild homes in a devastated city of New Orleans, Malteser We have received a tremendous response from our members to our request International’s work knows no international border. for contributions to be used to buy food for the starving poor in Haiti. To date This spring, the world witnessed the devastating effects of the Cyclone Nargis as it swept (June 19), we have received $68,400 from over 300 of our members, plus through the country of . Malteser International was one of the few organizations already $5,000 from the Canadian Association. We have asked Malteser International working inside the country, thus enabling its workers to begin to provide immediate relief in the to provide another $50,000. And both the Federal and Western Associations worst hit areas while others struggled to deliver life-saving aid. The scope of this disaster is truly have committed to support this effort. unimaginable and relief and rebuilding efforts will continue for many years to come. Malteser International enjoys a solid and growing Over the next few months, these funds will be sent to our Malta supported reputation in and beyond. Sadly, the world is organizations in Haiti, which will, in turn, buy food and distribute it to those experiencing a growing need for the relief, rehabilita- who have the greatest need in the areas they serve. tion and development support that is the hallmark of Lourdes Pilgrimage 2008: Malteser International’s mission. Our 23rd annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes was, once again, a great success. As many of you know, a Task Force comprised of There were almost 400 of us this year, the largest in the history of the American members of the three U.S. Associations was created in Association. From the three U.S. Associations, almost 1,100 made the trip, and 2006 with the express purpose of exploring a U.S. pres- altogether, from around the world, almost 8,000 from the Order were there. All ence for Malteser International. Given the tremendous went well, including the weather, and, thanks to Archbishop Timothy Dolan and work of the organization in responding to Hurricane Bishops Michael Cote, William Lori, William Murphy, and Frank Rodimer, not to Katrina as well to natural disasters in Central and mention Msgr. Wallin and his team, it was a “spiritual experience of a lifetime.” America, a logical extension of its programs is to build a base for operations and support in the Americas. Congratulations to Joe and Barbara Miller, Co-Chairs, and to their team, for As a first step towards this objective, a Steering their year-long efforts to plan and then execute the workings of the Pilgrim- Committee has been formed in the with age, which are becoming more and more complex, and, primarily because of Children in Sunampe the intention of educating the public as to Malteser the drop in the value of the U.S. dollar, more and more expensive every year. International’s mission and raising awareness of its many Joe and Barbara, to enable the Pilgrimage to break-even financially this year, programs which assist the poor and the suffering worldwide. Committee members include led efforts to raise special contributions of $380,000. Our heartfelt thanks go American Association President Daniel Kelly, Federal Association President Noreen Falcone, out to all of you who helped in achieving this record level of assistance to our Western Association President Richard Madden as well as US Association Hospitallers Joseph malades and their caregivers. Metz, Michael Sullivan and Eugene Payne. Also serving are Nicholas de Cock de Rameyen, Pres- The Strategic Planning Committee, led by Jack Pohrer, will address the issue ident of Malteser International, and Ingo Radtke, its Secretary General, and Task Force members of the high cost of the Pilgrimage, and I expect that, in order to reduce costs, Geoffrey Gamble of the Federal Association and James O’Connor of the American Association. we will be making different arrangements for our air transportation to Lourdes This January in Chicago, the Committee agreed to move forward with the creation of in the future. a nonprofit organization — “Order of Malta Worldwide Relief — Malteser International We applaud Hap and Sue Redgate for assuming the leadership, as Co-Chairs, Americas.” This organization will serve as the US-affiliate of Malteser International, offering of the 2009 Pilgrimage. on-going information to our members and the public at large while providing an avenue for philanthropic support. In support of this mission, a new website, www.maltarelief.org, was May Meeting of our Boards: launched in May. As mentioned above, our Boards (the Board of Councillors of the Association Now is the time to advance Malteser International’s excellent reputation for alleviating hu- and the Board of Directors of the Malta Human Services Foundation) went to man suffering, as well as advanced technical skills and unique approach in the field of humanitar- Philadelphia for their meetings on May 23rd. ian aid, to carry its message of hope into the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere. Some highlights of the Board of Councillors Meeting were: For more information about the Order of Malta Worldwide Relief — Malteser International • The approval of grant requests aggregating approximately $1 million. They Americas, please visit www.maltarelief.org or contact James O’Connor. are listed elsewhere in this issue of the Hospitallers. • Approval of the admission of 100 new members into the Order through the American Association, subject to approval by the Sovereign Council in June. We look forward to celebrating their formal investiture at St. Patrick’s Our Mission Cathedral on November 14th. The American Association of the Order of Malta, carefully observing the centuries-old tradition of the Order, has • Approval of the appointment of two Area Chairs: as its mission, to enhance the glory of God through the sanctification of its members, through dedication to and (continued on back page) defense of the faith and the Holy See and through service to our fellow man, especially the sick and poor. 2008 Lourdes Pilgrimage – One Hundred Fifty Years of Faith, Hope and Love “Sent to Love and Serve” by Barbara and Joseph Miller

early 8,000 people from the Order of Malta converged on the beautiful city of Lourdes, France, this year to celebrate Jubilate 2008. The Order brought nearly 2,000 Malades from all over the world to celebrate the 150th Nanniversary of the apparitions to Bernadette by Our Lady. The number of Malta pilgrims nearly doubled from the record number of 4,500 in 2007. It seems that the crowds in the streets doubled (or more) as well. In spite of the throngs of people, our Captains and staff were able to lead our processions to each event on time and with no mishaps. For the first time, there was a special event on Saturday night where all the members of the Order were presented with a Jubilee pin and the United States was very well represented. There was much to celebrate this year as it was also the 50th Anniversary of the first Order of Malta International

Barbara and Joe Miller Pilgrimage. We were delighted to welcome our newly elected Grand Master, HMEH Fra’ Matthew Festing and several with Hope Carter members of the Sovereign Council as they joined us for dinner on Sunday night. Jubilate 2008 was the 23rd Pilgrimage of the American Association, founded by Cissie Ix and Ann Peabody. The first group of 39 Pilgrims, including 12 Malades flew into Paris where they spent the night, took a bus across town the next morning to Orly Airport and then on to Lourdes. They were accompanied by one doctor and one nurse. They stayed at the Le Grande Grotte not far from the D’Espagne and the Mediteranee but definitely up hill. Pulling the voitures up and down that hill eventually led to moving to a new hotel. They had no schedule of events but the French were kind and allowed our group to follow them. The women wore their capes but the men had no work uniforms at that time…they wore blazers and ties. Cissie Ix laughed as she recalled that they looked like such a “rag-tag group.” It’s hard to imagine that our recent Pilgrimage had such humble beginnings. We numbered 400, including 49 Mal- ades and their caregivers. We were supported by 22 Clergy, 17 doctors, and 10 nurses and occupied 200 rooms at two hotels. For six days, we were spiritually enriched as we prayed, processed, visited the baths and laughed with each other and our beloved Malades who joined us from all over the country as strangers and left as members of a spiritual family. This was all made possible because of an extraordinary group of volunteers. We will always be indebted to: Dr. Under the arch on the way to the Grotto Richard Milone, Msgr. Kevin Wallin, Hope Carter, Michael Castine, Jack Pohrer, Bob and Jeanette Fredericks, Jack Shine, Madeline Lacovara, Hap Redgate, Mitch Mitchell, Sue Redgate, Sue Farrell, Tom and Sarah Flood, Ken Craig, Jack Sise, Denise Kelly, Jim O’Connor, Tom Garasche, Morgan Murray, Kim Gillespie, Betsy Reiss, Carole Less, Betsy Swan- haus, Kristi Snyder, Katie Cordtz, John Jennings, John Bycraft, Laure Aubuchon, Beth Dolce, Peg Lyons, Des McCarthy, Deacon John Powers, Lia Carter, Leslie Carter, Wayne Leiss, all the energetic Auxiliary, Jake and Sarah Plunkett and our hard-working NY staff of Rev. Dr Jeffrey Trexler, Ann Peabody, Carla Gunerard, Kathleen Trabucco and Ray LaRose. Special thanks to our indefatigable Captains who have the hardest job on the Pilgrimage. They were always there working with a smile on their face, willing to do anything that was asked. We will always be grateful for their help… Gail and Joe Berardino, Cathy and Bill Besgen, Peggy and Bob Dillmeier, Sherry and Paul Durnan, Elissa and Joe Metz, Karen and Bob Tanzola, and Jeannie and Tom Tisdale. We were fortunate to have Jake and Sarah Plunkett volunteer to produce our Closing Night Ceremony. The evening opened with a medley of Broadway tunes sung by our own “Broadway Guy,” Msgr. Kevin Wallin, followed by songs beautifully sung by Lia Carter and Leslie Carter. Bill and Betty Bourke were recognized for their 20 years of service to the He ain’t heavy… Pilgrimage…Others recognized were Hope Carter, Don Weisen, Vic Courdert, Des and Pat McCarthy, Pat Murphy, Jack Maloy, Cissie Ix and Ann Peabody. We laughed and cried as some of our Malades and their caregivers thanked us and shared some of their thoughts. Barry Burns, father of Jessica, spoke about how the people in the “funny outfits” are the angels and how special the whole experience was for him and his wife and about the presence of faith in his life and how that was reflected as a whole throughout the pilgrimage. William Corry, with the help of his Mom Darcy, spoke about his school report that he was working on and was expected to present when he got home. The major theme was when he wished upon a star, he would wish that he could be a horse, not just any horse but a horse that could carry people around who were unable to move for themselves… He wished that he could be a dog, but not just any dog. He wanted to be a seeing eye dog to be able to help those who could not see. Thomas Ospina, age 6, along with his father Rafael, spoke about how cold the baths were but his real story hap- The Grotto where Mary appeared pened earlier that day when Thomas shared his Communion host with his friend Aaron, sitting next to him after the priest passed him by. We all have our favorite stories of Lourdes… be they funny or serious. Another Malade recently shared these thoughts with us. “Perhaps, the mission of the Order is captured in the thoughts of one of our clergy when he wrote to us…” Many thanks for the sponsorship of the SMOM Pilgrimage. It was a very spiritual, enlightening and humbling experience. As I stood in line on Sunday afternoon, watching all the Malades pass by, I couldn’t help but think of the gospels and the verse, “whatever you did for the least of my brethren, you did for me.” The face of Christ was in each and every Malade. Many blessings for all.” We have been humbled by the privilege of serving as Chairpersons for this exciting, joy- ful Jubilee 2008 Pilgrimage and have enjoyed every moment of this past year. We thank all The Grand Master presents a medal to a Malade at the Grotto of our Members, each and every one of you, who did not come on the Pilgrimage but who prayed the novena for us during our week in Lourdes. We thank our hundreds of benefac- tors who contributed with such generosity to bring our beloved Malades to Lourdes as guests of the Order. You were all there with us in spirit! In closing, we say, with each of you, “Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us and especially Sue and Hap Redgate, Chairpersons of Lourdes Pilgrimage XXIV.”

2 From Houses to Homes A New Jersey Malta Ministry in Guatemala

In the impoverished highlands area of Guatemala, the living quarters of most of the poor are makeshift homes of nothing more than cornstalk or cardboard walls with dirt floors.

For the past five years, a volunteer-staffed organi- tions and private foundations. Nearly 100% of donations go toward building zation called From Houses to Homes-Guatemala, homes and providing health and education to revitalize disadvantaged com- Inc. (FHTH), has been munities in Guatemala. building or rebuilding Each home costs $1,500 for materials and trans- houses that are strong, portation. The homes are 13x19 feet, made entirely safe, culturally appropri- of concrete block with a metal-framed window with ate and affordable to maintain. glass. Each home is stuccoed and painted inside and Jim Tierney, Malta Auxiliary, and Brian Moran, out with colors chosen by the homeowner. K.M. (both Board Members of FHTH) continued a Since January 2005, 136 homes have been built string of many visits over several years to partici- through the program, providing housing for 857 peo- pate in this endeavor. This spring, Morgan Murray, ple. So far in 2008, the education program paid the K.M., and seventeen year old grandson Sam Mur- cost of school registration and supplies for 564 chil- ray made the trip to Guatemala to join the crew in dren. This is up from 269 children in 2007, 54 chil- the home building program. dren in 2006, and 18 children in 2005. From Houses To Homes is a New Jersey-based non-profit 501(c) (3) To date, 346 volunteers from 19 different countries have actively par- ticipated in the FHTH program. For more information on From Houses to organization founded in 2004 to build homes and support educational Homes, go to their web site at www.fromhousestohomes.org. opportunities to improve the lives of the rural poor in Guatemala. FHTH is currently funded from private donations, corporate contribu- By Morgan Murray, K.M.

A Message from Jack Pohrer, Ask and You Shall Receive Chancellor of the Virgin Islands Members American Association Get Overwhelming Response

thers will be writing in the Hospitaller about to Clothing Drive the 2008 Lourdes Pilgrimage, but I can’t resist Osaying, as always, the Lourdes miracle for me n March 2008, members of the Virgin Islands Area of the Ameri- is that it sustains me for an entire year until the next can Association announced an appeal for clothing to be sent pilgrimage. When we are in Lourdes, we are at our to the Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Haiti as a gift. They made their best as Dames and Knights. I appeal public with the help of Father John Mark, a priest from Our All Lourdes pilgrims had the opportunity to meet Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Mafolie, St. Thomas. The project the new Grand Master, Frà Matthew Festing, in involved all the Knights and Dames of the Area and was conducted Lourdes. He is warm, very humorous, personable, both on St. Thomas and St. Croix with collection points at all and provides an inviting atmosphere and outlook for the Order of Malta. Catholic Churches. As word spread throughout the community, the schools The business of the Board is carried on by commit- also got involved. A central sorting and drop off point was then tees. All the committees of the Board of Councilors are very busy. The committee that I chair is the Strategic Planning Committee. The initial meeting was held in New York on an April established through the generous donation of space at TuTu Park Saturday and the Committee began its work. The purpose and charge given to the Strategic Shopping Mall. Planning Committee is to see where we are presently, where we want to be in the future, There was an overwhelming response to this appeal, with over and how we get there. 6,000 items donated including clothes of all sizes for men, women The members of the committee were absolutely magnificent in expressing new ideas, and children, as well as shoes, sheets, blankets, as well as luggage. building on current works and ideas and are truly visionaries in “thinking outside the At the end of April, when the appeal ended, all the items were box.” By the very nature of a good Strategic Planning process, the creative juices must boxed and sealed with the Order of Malta shield for shipment to flow freely and we are off to a very good start. Obviously the committee does not have a Haiti. Due to the enthusiastic response to the drive, the Area Chairs, corner on ideas, so I invite you, our Dames and Knights, to communicate and share your John and Claire Foster, plan to make the drive a yearly event. ideas and thoughts with us. It is the hope of the Committee to complete our work by the November Board meeting. Because it was evident that every facet of the American Association was being evaluated, extending well beyond the works, governance and financial aspects of the Association, the Strategic Planning Committee will have subcommittees addressing various areas to give in-depth thought and discussion. It is our plan to regroup periodically as a whole committee to digest and discuss the various subcommittees’ work. I am very impressed by the talents and hidden strengths of our committee Dames and Knights in this strategic arena. I want to impress upon you that our work will be compressed by time and we want to leave no stone unturned, so I welcome everyone’s thoughts early in this process. We are a spiritual order and I know and have experienced the power of your prayer in Lourdes and other places, so I ask that you particularly pray to the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire our Strategic Planning Committee and their efforts. Please share your thoughts with any of our committee members that are listed below: Marjorie L. Bycraft Thomas F. Carney, Jr. Joseph M. Cianciolo Robert L. Dillmeier John T. Dunlap Paul H. Durnan Thomas J. Flood Robert J. Fredericks, Ph.D. Mary C. McCooey Joseph G. Metz, Ph.D. Richard D. Milone, MD James F. O’Connor Howard V. Redgate John F. Shine, Ph.D.

God Bless, Jack Pohrer, KM 314-241-7777 Ext. 23 [email protected]

3 grant Synopsis 2008

Grant Grant Name Amount Grant Description Area Programs

A Safe Haven for Newborns, Miami, FL $10,000 To develop, produce and distribute a training program for use in Florida.

Angel’s Place, Southfield, MI $12,500 To provide a wheelchair ramp for the front and back entrance of their Joliat Home in Commerce.

Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY $10,000 Financial assistance to cancer patients needing treatment.

Birth Haven, Inc., Newton, NJ $4,500 To remodel the kitchen.

Catholic Youth Connection, Dorchester, MA $9,000 To help inner city parishes cover the costs of the Peace Mass and youth leadership parishes.

Cardinal Sheehan Center, Bridgeport, CT $15,000 Support for After School and Saturday Youth Development Program’s educational and recreational activities.

At Risk Children, Camden, NJ $10,000 Administration, training, supervision of staff and participants to assist at risk children in Camden.

Catholic Charities,Chicago, IL $5,500 To support Tuesday Night Supper Program: a hot nutritious meal, for 130 men, women, and children who are homeless and/or hungry.

Catholic Guardian Society, New York, NY $10,000 To support programs for low income and poor women and their families.

College & Community Fellowship,New York, NY $10,000 To provide mentors and tutors to formerly incarcerated women who are attempting to earn college degrees.

Collin County Adult Clinic, Plano, TX $7,500 To upgrade equipment used during patient triage.

Good Counsel, Inc., Harrison, NY $13,000 For continued support for the Life Skills program.

Housing For All Corporation, Hyannis, MA $22,000 For the purchase of a 12 passenger van to transport residents to various medical/educational appointments.

Human Resources Hamptons, Southampton, NY $10,000 To cover the costs of a medical transportation program.

Catholic Radio 89.1 FM, Indianapolis, IN $10,000 To serve the evangelization efforts of the , by expanding the Spanish speaking broadcast.

Life Center of Long Island, Massapequa, NY $15,000 Financial scholarships for attendees, advertising and websites.

Long Island Area, Amityville, NY $10,000 To develop a DVD to be used in a Marriage preparation program.

Malta House of Good Counsel, Norwalk, CT $ 25,000 For the expansion of services for mothers and their children.

Marian Center School, Miami Gardens, FL $ 10,000 Labor and materials for construction of an awning over 2 playgrounds.

Continuing Education for Clergy, Massachusetts $ 6,500 To create and provide ordained Catholic clergy with an innovative and interactive leadership program in the diocese of Boston and Fall River.

New Hope Charities, Inc., West Palm Beach, FL $10,000 To provide food services to the needy families in the communities.

Medical/Dental Clinic, Bloomfield Hills, MI $ 8,000 For dentures, other dental appliances and oral surgery for complicated cases.

Our Lady’s Inn, St. Louis, MO $ 9,000 To support the opening of a new maternity home in St. Charles.

Port Ministries, Chicago, IL $ 20,000 To buy a truck to be used for food distribution.

Pregnancy Care Center, Inc., New Rochelle, NY $ 17,000 To retain the staff who care for the babies.

Project Reach, New York, NY $ 15,000 To educate children on Healthy Respect of Character, and teach parents about their role as primary educators of Human sexuality

Right to Life, Farmington Hills, MI $ 5,000 To help create and implement an urban outreach program for Michigan’s Hispanic community.

Rose Hill Center, Inc., Holly, MI $ 20,000 Support the development of an Extended Living Program

Saint Ann’s Mission , Naranju, FL $15,000 To buy a trailer, playground, and fund educational programs for migrant families.

John Paul II Immigration Center, Waltham, MA $2,000 To hire a bilingual accredited representative in partnership with Catholic Charities.

Several Sources Shelters, Ramsey, NJ $2,000 To set up a clinic day where a Public Health Nurse can do TM testing, HIV counseling and Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screening.

SHEPHERD'S, Inc., Bridgeport, CT $ 4,000 Support for administrative office and training of Sponsors and Mentors.

Fresh Start Program, Boca Raton, FL $5,000 To provide 20 ex-prisoners with assistance in housing, food, public transportation, job connections and mentoring.

St. Patrick Center, St. Louis, MO $25,000 To provide support to address the frequently interrelated problems of homelessness, addiction and mental illness.

Camp Harbor View, Boston, MA $20,000 Will help to provide warm clothing for the camp.

Center in Asbury Park, Asbury Park, NJ $5,000 To support a housing program for people in need.

The Christ Child Society, South Bend, IN $15,000 To refurbish the center where clothes are distributed.

The New Life Ministry, Old Lyme, CT $5,000 To refurbish the transitional living apartment for recently released prisoners.

St. Francis Wellness Program, Providence, RI $10,000 To purchase supplies for the cholesterol, blood glucose, and tuberculosis screenings and the influenza vaccine/and compensate the professional staff.

Word on Fire, Lake Forest, IL $10,000 For the production of the third part of a ten-part program called “Catholicism.”

Xavier Society for the Blind, New York, NY $10,000 To develop of an interactive website that will allow readers and contributors to communicate with the Xavier Society staff via the internet. Total Area Programs $475,500 National Programs

Dead Theologians Society, Black Earth, WI $1,000 To reproduce and mail informational packets to the parishes, missions and Catholic high schools, colleges and universities.

EPS, Washington, DC $25,000 To expand its ability to reach more Catholic laity who want to know, understand and live their faith.

Prison Ministry American Association $57,500 To bring the word of God to our incarcerated brothers and sisters, by providing Bibles and Prayer books. Total National Programs $83,500 International Programs

AmeriCares, Stamford, CT $125,000 Provide medicines, medical equipment, and other relief supplies to Order of Malta organizations and other NGO partners around the world.

CRUDEM Foundation, St. Louis, MO $110,000 To cover part of salary expense of professional staff.

CRUDEM Foundation, St. Louis, MO $35,000 To help offset support services and general expenses.

CRUDEM Foundation, St. Louis, MO $5,000 To help cover the costs of providing one cooked meal a day to 800 children at Holy Cross elementary Catholic School in the village of Thibeau.

From Houses to Homes – Guatemala $6,000 To construct up to five homes at a cost of $1,500 each for the material.

Haitian Health Foundation, Norwich, CT $20,000 To purchase pharmaceuticals for both residential and outpatient facilities.

4 H.B. King Medical Brigade, Spring Lake, NJ $5,000 To treat 3,000 people over a 10 day period.

Holy Family Hospital, Bethlehem, Palestine $50,000 Represents nineth installment of $500,000 commitment, payable over 10 years.

Hope for Haiti, Naples. FL $15,000 To support the establishment of a fully functioning medical clinic in Les Cayes, Haiti to be operational by January 2009.

House of Friendship, Spring Lake, NJ $25,000 To maintain 235 children in our shelters and day facilities.

Myanmar, Malteser International $15,000 Disaster Relief for cyclone victims.

Project Pierre Toussaint, Cap Haitien, Haiti $25,000 To provide shelter, clothing, food, medical costs and education for children.

Total International Programs: $436,000

Grand Total $995,000

We Are All Hospitallers by Joseph Metz, Ph.D., KMOb

s the Hospitaller of the American Asso- istry, outreach to the sick and poor in urban areas, or our Malta Forum ciation, I have the pleasure of writing initiative which seeks to bring a better understanding of the faith and Aa quarterly column in the Hospitaller contemporary issues in society to our members and to the larger com- on items of interest to our membership. You munity. These sessions are allowing our Areas to share common experi- may ask yourself, “What does the Hospitaller ences and ideas of how projects may be replicated from Area to Area. do?” Our Hospitaller-emeritus, Fran Hardart, We continue to gather data from our 26 Areas on all of our works addressed this question before me. I think it is and ministries. We have over 100 works, and in 2008 our Association worth restating again since every Knight and through the Grants Committee funded over 50 of these programs, with Dame in the Association is, in a very real sense, grants totaling almost $1 million. Once we have completed assembling a Hospitaller. The Hospitaller of the Associa- the data base, a 2008 “Works and Ministries” report will be posted on tion is responsible for encouraging, promot- the Malta website. ing and actively assisting in the development What is a “Malta Work,” “Malta Ministry” and a “Blessed Gerard Joe Metz, Hospitaller of our Malta works, ministries and spiritual Project”? In considering these working definitions, which we use to cat- works in the service of the sick and needy and in witnessing the Cath- egorize our various programs, we should keep in mind that each Area olic Faith. We do these works not just as good civic volunteers, but as will have its own particular expression of how best to serve the sick members who have made a promise to work with one another in a “lay and poor and witness the Faith through Hands-on activities. There is no religious order.” Thus, when we go to Lourdes on Pilgrimage, we do so “cookie-cutter” formula for service in the Order of Malta. At the same as a caregiver, companion, and helper, and, importantly, as a Hospitaller time, Hospitaller activities within each Area should be conducted keep- of the Order. When we visit and work in one of our projects, whether ing the following guidelines in mind. in a hospital, a home for mothers and babies, or prison, we are acting as 1. Malta Works: A Malta work is a program or project designated Hospitallers. While participating in a project, it is important to establish by the American Association as an official activity of the Associa- our solidarity by adorning a Malta pin or decoration. This is not to set tion. Its leadership includes a number of Malta members and its ac- us apart from those we hope to serve, but to affirm our calling as Hospi- tivities are supported both financially and by volunteer service from tallers of the Order of Malta. the Association. While not all of our Areas have launched Malta In doing our Hospitaller work, we should remember that we are Works, all Areas share in the support of our National Malta “Work,” part of a larger community. The Order was founded 960 years ago and Prison Ministry. is a sovereign subject of and a religious order of the 2. Malta Ministries: Areas may effectively serve the mission of Catholic Church. The Order has bilateral diplomatic relations with 100 the Order through their Malta Ministries. Malta Ministries are pro- states, including the Holy See, 18 official representations and permanent grams of care for the sick and poor and in the service of the Faith as observer status at the United Nations, the European Union, and numer- designated by the Area Chair and Area Hospitaller for hands-on ser- ous international organizations. vice by Area members. In many cases, members of the Order work The Order has a permanent presence in 54 countries, with 12 Grand together with other organizations which share our charism, such Priories and Sub-Priories and 47 national associations, as well as adminis- as hospitals, schools, and missions to provide direct support to the tering numerous medical and Social-service centers in 120 countries. The needy. Malta Ministries are the heart and soul of our service! Order has 12,500 members, 80,000 volunteers and over 13,000 medical 3. Blessed Gerard Projects: A Blessed Gerard Project is a pro- personnel. Thus, we in the American Association with 1,750 members, gram to care for the sick and poor in witness of the Faith performed and with our Federal and Western confreres counting some 3,000 Knights regularly by a member of the Order on an individual basis. and Dames are, in fact, the largest Association within the Order world- wide. My point is that we carry responsibilities to be a good citizen of The important feature of our works and ministries must be to en- the worldwide Order and to reach out to learn more about how we can courage “hands-on” activity by our own members. What may start out work together in the world during the 21st century. This is why the re- as a Blessed Gerard Project may become a “Malta Ministry” as several cent initiative we are undertaking for the Order of Malta Worldwide Relief members join together in service. As the Grand Hospitaller, Albrecht —Malteser International Americas has so much promise and meaning. It von Boeselager, has reminded us, “… it is important to leave room for is possible that in the future, the Order of Malta will not only be known the different talents and strengths of our members and for their own in this country for its Lourdes Pilgrimages and many good works at home initiatives in the different activities undertaken, that is to say, not to but also for the major role it plays in disaster relief in the Americas. restrict our members within a rigid strait-jacket but to allow the un- While keeping in mind our international responsibilities that we derlying program to remain clearly apparent.” The Grand Hospitaller share with the worldwide Order, we must continue to focus our strength also further explains: “For our members this also means that they need and dedication on our own works and Ministries in our 26 Areas within to rethink their sense of involvement after joining the Order, insofar as the American Association. In each of our Areas, our 26 Area Chairs and priority must be given to acting through the Order. Being a member of 29 Area Hospitallers (several areas have multiple Hospitallers) carry out the Order should be considered as part of one’s way of life. It obviously the work of the Order on a day-to-day basis. To foster better and more will be a different commitment depending upon one’s age, family sta- frequent communication within the Association, the Works and Minis- tus, occupation, and circumstances.” In closing, let us thank our Area tries Committee in 2008 has launched monthly telephone conference Chairs and Area Hospitallers and give them all the support we can as calls among the Area Chairs and Hospitallers on the works and minis- they help us carry out our mission to serve the sick and poor and to tries of the Order. We have had seven calls so far this year with very good witness our Faith. For a complete list of our Area Chairs and Area Hos- attendance. During the calls, a project leader gives a presentation on one pitallers, go to the Association’s web site: www.maltausa.org and open of the works of the Order, such as our missions in Haiti, or Prison Min- the leadership section.

5 Malta Human Services Foundation President’s Report Why it Matters by Hershel Smith, KM, President of the Malta Human Services Foundation

Estate and Planned Gifts Can n my last column, I spoke about the endowment of the Founda- Support the Work of the tion which is used to support the Grants Program of the American IAssociation. The endowment is currently about $9 million. This Association for Years to Come time, I would like to report to you on the impact the endowment has on the American Association’s Grants Program. Each year, the Malta Human Services Foundation provides a Each year, the Foundation transfers a sum of money, based on a contribution to the American Association to support the Annual simple average of the year end value of the Endowment for the prior Grants program. Your consideration of the Foundation in your three years — 5% of that average is transferred for the specific use in estate plan or with a planned gift will help to ensure that the works of the Order of Malta will continue for years to come. If the Grants Program. This year, the amount to be transferred is a little you have questions about the Foundation, see the Foundation more than $453K. This represents 45% of the money allocated for grants this year by the Associa- section of our web site at www.maltausa.org. For more informa- tion. The budget for this year’s Grants Program is approximately $1.011M. tion, call Michael J. McMorrow, the Director of Development, in The requests for 2008 grants totaled $1.945M which was $900K more than was available. The our New York office at (212) 371-1000, ext. 2683. Grants Committee did a tremendous job going over the many requests to support the wonderful work of our members in support of the sick and the poor and in the defense of the faith. It would be an exaggeration to say that every grant would have been approved if the funds had been avail- able but it is clear that many worthy requests had to be denied or trimmed because of the over- whelming number of requests. Solomon-like in their approach, the Grants Committee considered each request on its merits against the guidelines of the Association and against the other requests that were in the mix. Guidelines for the Sale It is not an easy decision to say no to a worthy cause; most of us have felt the twinge of con- science when we say no to the needy on our doorstep or in the street or in the mailbox. But few of Malta Merchandise of us have been almost $1M short in our ability to respond. Eighty grant applications were submitted for the Grants Committee to review. The application Guidelines have been developed and distributed to Area Chairs is hard work in itself (you can see the application form on the web in the Members Only section). regarding the sale of “Malta” merchandise, including the sale It requires a lot of attention and a significant amount of gathering of facts and data to support the of merchandise in Lourdes. See your Area Chair for information. request. The Grants Committee must act responsibly and with due diligence so a good amount of A copy of the guidelines is also posted on the web site in the News and Events section. Please become familiar with them if information is expected to accompany the grant request. you are involved in any way in the sale of merchandise at Order The arithmetic is pretty simple — if the Endowment were larger, the formula would have of Malta and American Association functions. yielded a larger amount of funding that would have been available to be considered for grants. It would not have reduced the work of the Grants Committee; they still would have had to exercise the same due diligence. But it might have helped by making available funds that would have al- lowed another “yes” or a larger grant to have been approved. The Association is funding, with the support of the Foundation, $1M in grants. That is some- thing we can be proud of while at the same time, we pray for all those whose activities are worthy of support, whose goals mirror those of the Association and the Order of Malta, and we say, with Association Forms heartfelt sincerity, “We only wish it could have been more!” Available On-Line

Many of the necessary forms including the Association Admis- sions application, the Auxiliary Admissions application, the Lourdes Pilgrimage forms, 2008 Grant applications, and on-line Alpha Pregnancy Care Center donation access are available on the web site. All members are strongly encouraged to retrieve forms from the web site since it Serving Women and Families in Crisis is less costly. By using the web to obtain the necessary forms, By Eivion L. Williams, Executive Director it eliminates the need to store, handle and mail forms, saving both time and money. Forms are in the “Members Only” section lpha Pregnancy Care Center was founded in 1986 by a couple who had struggled with the of the Association’s web site at www.maltausa.org. pain and guilt of abortion. God called them to serve and help women who found them- Aselves in an unwanted pregnancy and were overwhelmed with their circumstances. For the last twenty-two years, Alpha has been doing what God called the original founders to do. Over the years, the Center has grown and moved several times, eventually relocating to Albany’s inner city to address the greatest need for helping women in crisis. The Center’s work continued to grow and in 2005, an affordable location with two very suitable buildings and a large parking lot was 2008 Deceased Members purchased; after extensive rehab work, Alpha moved into the new quarters in early February, 2006. At the new location, there is space for its staff, two counseling rooms, a kitchen, a child care room Mr. Robert O. Bachand Topsfield, MA with toys, games, and a hand-painted mural of Noah’s Ark, a classroom where moms learn about pre- Mrs. Margaret J. Black Kalispell, MT natal care, birthing, infant and child care, nutrition and a wide range of other parenting needs. The Mr. Joe Fechtel Dallas, TX Stork Room provides a place where moms can shop for diapers, formula, clothing, baby wipes, cribs, strollers, car seats, and toys with the “Mommy Dollars” they earn by attending classes, Bible studies, Mr. Thomas J. Flatley Milton, MA counseling sessions, or Mom’s Groups. All services and materials are provided absolutely free. Mr. James C. Laflin Clayton, MO Alpha Pregnancy Care Center serves two distinctly different clients: “abortion-minded” women Mrs. Judith Maryanne McAree Fishers, IN who believe that abortion is their only choice and others who simply need help because of family or Mr. James A. McTague Naples, FL financial circumstances. If a client is abortion-minded, we do our best to convince them to have an ul- Mr. James J. Oussani Brooklyn, NY trasound. Alpha actually owns an ultrasound machine; the procedure is provided free for our clients at Mr. D. John Palladino Marlboro, NJ a nearby medical facility. After receiving an ultrasound, most women decide to carry their baby to term! At Alpha, clients are continually sharing with each other how God has made an impact on their Mr. Everett Monroe Scranton Grosse Pointe, MI lives. They speak of how God has provided for them materially and spiritually, of jobs being found, Dr. Elizabeth H. Tucker Slingerlands, NY relationships being healed, and protection being provided. Many of the moms who come to Alpha develop long-lasting relationships with other moms and very often continue to come to classes and Memorial Masses are said for deceased members at the Lady Bible studies for a year or more. They have great compassion for others who find themselves in dif- Chapel of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in by ficulty and often give freely to other moms in need even though they have so little themselves. Monsignor James P. Cassidy, Conventual Chaplain ad honorem Through God’s grace and the generosity of many (including a grant from the American Asso- of the American Association. ciation), the Center has grown from a single location in a small home serving a handful of clients to four locations serving hundreds of pregnant women and their families. In 2007, Alpha served more than 1,200 clients and saw over 300 babies born. Every woman that comes to Alpha hears the message of salvation through Christ and is treated with love and respect. At the Center, our goals remain the same as when the ministry first began: save the unborn from the horror of abortion and share the love of Christ with women and families in crisis. 6 Spiritual Reading by Rev. Msgr. James P. Cassidy, Assistant Principal Chaplain

ur own spiritual growth requires us to invest the time and energy finding reading material that can help us Otoward that end. It is not always easy; in fact, it is sometimes a challenge, given that our lives tend to be filled Regenerative Medicine and with a whole host of activities. Finding something worthwhile Stem Cell Research in the myriad of choices available can be a task all by itself. We can look to trustworthy sources who can advise us on books This is the summary of the Consensus Statement given out at and materials that may benefit us. Sometimes, the people we the Board of Governors Meeting of the International Association know and who know us best (like a spiritual advisor/confes- of Catholic Bioethicists at Lourdes on Friday, May 2, 2008 at the sor) can help us to target in on a narrower set of choices, from Hotel Solitude. It reflects the content of the Consensus State- which we can pick. ment of the International Association of Catholic Bioethicists Rev. Msgr. James P. Cassidy It is nice to read the best sellers, the books getting attention in Conference which was held in London, July 2007 under the the media and in the halls of the Church and the Universities. Some- auspices of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta: times, those books can do more harm than good — so-called experts (meaning someone who Regenerative medicine involves replacement of damaged wrote a book and is now considered an expert) can mislead or even deceive us. While each of us tissues, repair at the genetic, molecular and cellular level and tries to read critically and recognize where the text may not be on the mark from a theological, regeneration of tissue induced by stimulating the body’s own moral, or even historical basis, it is sometimes difficult. It is unfortunate that it is not even pos- innate capacity for regeneration. The colloquium participants sible to rely on the fact that an author may be a priest, a bishop, or a moral theologian. The fact affirmed that man, as a being, is unique and made in the image of God. They also affirmed that man was created to eventually is that writing something in a book or a magazine or on a web site or pronouncing something in be united to his Creator and that this end must be affirmed the media does not change falsehoods into truths. and aided by all that man does. Therefore, any pursuits at the Catholics who are seeking the truth in matters of Faith and Morals must use care in order to above-mentioned genetic, molecular and cellular levels to aid sort through the vast quantity of available reading. Not every priest quoted on a network news man in his quest for health of mind, body and spirit must keep show or every bishop who has put pen to paper delivers a message that is consistent with the the basic principles regarding the value of human dignity in teachings of the Church. As we know, it is sometimes those who disagree who get the most at- mind. In addition, man is a social being who must exercise tention. Unfortunately, their commentary does not always come with the appropriate disclaimers “responsible stewardship over the resources of this world… about their disagreement with Church teaching. holding them in trust for the well-being of human beings in fu- One thing we can do is go to trusted sources. Over the last seven years or so, the Order of ture generations.” Whenever a particular line of research might Malta has published a series of small books, generally short and pocket-sized for ease in carrying, produce a harmful effect on human beings, a very careful and called the “Journal of Spirituality.” These volumes have generally been distributed through the precautionary approach must be followed. Association to our membership as part of the Order’s effort to help us grow in spirituality. The Stem cells have become of great interest because of their 2008 Journal (volume 8 in the series) will be distributed in the Fall. The New York office has a use in regenerative medicine. From its one cell inception, a limited number of copies of volumes 2 through 7 for members who may not have received copies human embryo is a “human being with potential and not just or for members who may have lost their copies. Since the numbers are limited, you are asked to ‘a potential human being’ (Byrne and Stebbins, “Ethics and Human Development”).” Human embryos should never be ensure that you do not have a copy of a volume before requesting one. harmed or destroyed in the interest of scientific or medical The available titles are: research. Embryonic stem cell research has, to date, not yielded Volume 2: Toward a Spirituality of Communion a single, even minor, therapeutic benefit for any human disease Volume 3: “Tuitio Fidei” and “Obsequium Pauperum” today or injury. On the other hand, adult stem cells have produced Volume 4: The Pilgrimage multiple benefits in the treatment of human diseases and Volume 5: Order of Malta: Criteria for identity and Life commitments injuries. Indeed, the benefits produced by the use of adult stem Volume 6: St. John the Baptist, Guide and Witness cells in medicine increase on an almost daily basis. The use of Volume 7: Ecclesial dimension of the Order of Malta stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood and the repro- gramming of adult somatic stem cells to more primitive forms, Please send an e-mail to [email protected] to request specific volumes. The requests will be also known as iPS (induced pluripotent stem cells), should be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until the stocks run out. stimulated and encouraged because of their potential benefits. God bless you in your journey toward spiritual growth; may your relationship with the Order Stem cells should never be derived from human-animal hybrids of Malta serve as a catalyst and a pillar in your quest. and, indeed, the practice of producing such hybrids should be condemned. The development of ANT (Altered Nuclear Transfer) or like techniques should be perfected in animal models prior to their use in humans in order to be certain that no human embryos will be manufactured or harmed by such techniques. The Voiture: From the Inside Out A Malade’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes by Joan O’Brien Web Only Articles

Be sure to go our web site at www.maltausa.org. hen I first arrived in Lourdes on May 1, 2008, I arrived as a blank slate, knowingly willing to absorb all experiences non-judgmentally and to open the pores of my body, Click on “News & Events.” Click on “Association Newsletters.” my very cells, like newly hatched baby birds in a nest, to be filled with the scent of Click on the Summer 2008 issue of Hospitallers for a number of W interesting and informative articles: the Pyrenees, the energy of thousands of pilgrims, and the visual impact of the Domain that is Lourdes consisting of the Grotto, the Baths, The Basilicas and churches. • A Letter from a candidate in preparation about the meaning of I experienced everything in the cocoon of my voiture, a cart pulled by one person and the Lourdes Pilgrimage for him. pushed by another from behind. The first day of arrival, I was pulled through the town crowded • A perspective on the Pilgrimage from one of the Malades. with many pilgrims to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Mary, the mother of • A parent of one of the Malades gives an in-depth picture of God, to Bernadette Soubirous, a simple shepherd girl. the meaning of Lourdes. The voiture parted the sea of people. Sometimes the wheels came very close to those walk- • A Mid-West Jewish business man wants Catholics to stand up ing and even a few feet were run over, making me worry about being a malade creating other for their Church. malades. Thankfully, there was no serious damage. My charioteer became more skillful at ma- Also on the web is an extensive collection of photographs neuvering the voiture and I relaxed and felt every emotion layer upon me in my cocoon. Instead from the 2008 Lourdes Pilgrimage. In the News and Events of making my way through crowds on foot, I avoided fatigue and distraction and could only feel section, there is information about the next Phase in the awe. I was in the moment, each moment. Spontaneously, tears would come to my eyes and feel- Home Renovation Program, a joint venture of the US Associa- ings of hope, love and joy. As if looking through a telescope in my vehicle, I saw individuals, the tions in the Order’s continuing response to Katrina. An Event Knights and Dames of Malta, the auxiliary members, the volunteers and even the other malades, Calendar of key Association dates is also available in the each showing by their actions service, love, charity, goodness, warmth. News and Events section. I don’t know if I received the miracle of physical healing, but I know that I received healing at a cellular level. Whatever hurt, grief, resentment I may have carried in my cells during my life is gone. I feel a lightness, a peace, a hope and love. I was washed in the waters of the baths, the water flowing from the grotto, and my soul is shining brightly as one perfect white candle. I know I can keep this feeling even now outside of my voiture. 7 Volume 5 Summer 2008

Fellow Members of the Association (continued from cover)

1. Pittsburgh: Dr. Carla Lucente “Order of Malta Worldwide Relief — Malteser International Americas.” It is not a part of any of 2. Wisconsin: James Barry the three U.S. Associations; rather, it is a completely separate organization, governed by its own Board, and supported by Malteser International. Jim O’Connor is its President. Its fundraising will • Approval of new Area Hospitallers in eight Areas be done outside of our membership, from foundations, multi-national corporations, and other • Paul Durnan, Chairman of the Education/Defense of the Faith Committee, discussed these excit- interested parties. ing plans for: For your information, I direct your attention to the excellent website that has been created for 1. “Malta Minute” radio spot broadcasts on EWTN Radio (134 stations) and on the Sirius Catho- use in spreading the word to the American public about this new initiative of the Order: http:// lic Channel — one minute statements/explanations of the teachings of the Church, beginning www.maltarelief.org next October 2. The Malta Television Project — ten or more Malta sponsored “often repeated” half-hour Meeting with the U.S. Catholic Bishops: television presentations on EWTN Television during 2009, covering topics from the Cat- With the assistance of Sean Cardinal O’Malley, we arranged to hold a reception for those Cardinals, echism: The Creed, Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer Archbishops, and Bishops who attend the next meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, • A very positive report from Dr. Bob Fredericks, head of our National Prison Ministry Initiative, which was held in Orlando in June. Jack Pohrer, Joe Metz, Jim O’Connor and I hosted the recep- indicating that this program is now active in 13 of our 26 Areas. tion. My presentation introduced the Order to those bishops who were not aware of the workings of the Order, explained how we could help them with the needs in their communities, and asked At the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Malta Human Services Foundation: for their assistance in membership development in their dioceses. • Michael McMorrow, Director of Development of the Foundation presented a report on his activities since his engagement in February. He will continue to interact with various members, Pilgrimage to Malta, Rhodes, and : communicating our need to build the funds of the Foundation. Plans are being finalized for this year’s Pilgrimage to the Islands of Malta and Rhodes, and then to • There was agreement that, as soon as the Strategic Plan of the Association is completed later Rome, led by Msgr. Kevin Wallin, from September 15th to the 26th. There are still a limited number this year, we will be in a position to communicate specifics to potential contributors as to the of spaces open for the trip, so act now if you want to be included. various purposes for which donations and planned gifts will be requested. Membership Development: John T. Dunlap, KJ: As noted above, at our Investiture in November this year, we will be, once again, adding 100 new Congratulations are in order for John T. Dunlap, KJ, Regent of the Sub-priory of our Lady of Lourdes, Knights and Dames to the membership of our Association — who made his final vows to become a fully Professed Knight of the Order on Saturday, June 7th. a goodly number, and the result of a lot of hard work by the leadership of our Areas. The ceremony, where Fra’ John MacPherson and Fra’ Elie de Comminges of the Sovereign Council received John’s solemn vows, took place at Fr. John McGuire’s Parish in New York. Our goal is still to have 2,000 members by the year 2010, which will require us to bring in well over 100 in each of the Fra’ John Dunlap became the first member of the American Association to become fully professed, next two years. So, once again, I ask all of you to continue your and only the second of the three U.S. Associations, the first being Fra’ James-Michael von Stroebel efforts to bring highly qualified Catholics into the Order. As I of the Federal Association. have emphasized in the past, we must grow our membership to remain vital. It’s “grow or die!” Order of Malta Wordwide Relief — Malteser International Americas: As I have mentioned in previous Hospitallers, the Order is establishing a presence of the Order’s Best wishes for good health and an enjoyable summer, disaster relief organization in the Americas. The legal vehicle set up to accomplish this is named Daniel J. Kelly, K.M., President

Favorite Prayers: The Morning Offering 2008 Meetings/Events

The Morning Offering is meant to be prayed first thing in the morning, consecrating the day to the Lord Defense of the Faith Workshop, August 2nd – August 10th, and preparing one to focus all on Jesus and give to Him all that one does during the day. There are a few , variations of the Morning Offering, some offering oblations to Jesus in imitation of Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Board of Councillors, September 4th, New York City Pope John Paul II said that the Morning Offering is “of fundamental importance in the life of each and every one of the faithful.” Malta, Rhodes, Rome Pilgrimage, September 15th – September 26th Throughout the day, a Christian offers up everything – joys and successes, difficulties and sacrifices, to Board of Councillors, November 13th, New York City Jesus, uniting them to His sufferings and merits so that one’s works gain the merit they can never have Annual Meeting, November 14th, New York City apart from Him. It is especially beneficial to offer them to Mary to give to Jesus so that her intercession as Queen Mother renders them more pleasing. (from Wikipedia) Investiture and Annual Dinner, November 14th, New York City The following version of the Morning Offering is from EWTN’s web site:

The Morning Offering O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Executive Office I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings 1011 First Avenue, Suite 1350 of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, New York, NY 10022-4112 USA in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Telephone: (212) 371-1522 Fax: (212) 486-9427 throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, www.maltausa.org for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, Editor: Raymond J. LaRose and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Design/Production: Rappy & Company, Inc. Amen. Articles for future issues of this newsletter should be mailed to: Raymond J. LaRose American Association 1011 First Avenue, Suite 1350, New York, NY 10022 Prayer of the Order or sent via email to: [email protected] © 2008 Order of Malta®, Lord Jesus, Thou hast seen fit to enlist me for Thy service among the Knights and Dames of Saint John of Jerusalem. American Association, U.S.A. I humbly entreat Thee through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin of Philermo, of Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Gerard and all the saints and blessed of our Order, to keep me faithful to the tradition of our Order. Be it mine to practice and defend the Catholic, the Apostolic, and the Roman Faith Please notify the New York office for all changes of address against the enemies of ; be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, If your primary mailing address changes or is going to change, especially the poor and sick. please be sure to notify the American Association’s administrative team. Just send an e-mail to [email protected] or call our office Give me the strength I need to carry out this my resolve, forgetful of myself, learning at (212) 371-1522. Maintaining correct addresses ensures that you ever from the Holy Gospel a spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion, striving will receive mailings on a timely basis. It can also save the American ever to promote God’s glory, the world’s peace, and all that may benefit the Order of Association a significant amount of time and money.

Saint John of Jerusalem. Amen.