WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nine men and women from the Diocese of Charlotte recently became members of the Catholic lay religious Order of Malta, invested during a special Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Pictured with Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, are Natalie Jackson, Jim DeSart, Harry Rice, Cameron Jackson, Jim Honaker, David Springer, John Sequeira, John McComb and Steve Buisson.
They completed more than a year of formation exercises including prayer, religious retreat, education about the traditions of the order, and practice of the works of mercy to become the newest members of this religious community founded more than 900 years ago. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, commonly known as the Order of Malta, is one of the oldest institutions of western and Christian civilization. Its dual charisms are defense of the faith and service to the poor and the sick.
In the year 1099 in Jerusalem, Gerard, a European lay brother, founded the order and enlisted other lay brothers as an outgrowth of his service directing the Hospital of St. John. Notwithstanding the conflicts of the Crusades, this Catholic hospital provided care without discrimination to Muslims and Jews as well as Christians. Later beatified by the Church, Blessed Gerard made it a rule that he and his confreres should call the patients and guests “our lords, the sick and the poor.”
The Knights of Malta also became a most admired fighting force, protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and Europe against invasion. Today, its defense of the faith activities are largely educational in nature by defending the truths of the Catholic faith.
The Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.
— Photo provided by Rick Menze
HENDERSONVILLE — Parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church collected more than three vans full of new and gently-used winter jackets, towels and blankets they donated to Interfaith Assistance Ministry.
IAM will distribute the items to their clients ahead of the winter season.
— Sidney Baker