This May, the Order of Malta led the International Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France to commemorate its 65th Anniversary. This past week, five of our St. Monica’s Catholic Community parishioners took part in this wonderful celebration of faith, love, and almsgiving. Our five parishioners are members of the Order of Malta - Western Association: Jackie Connor & Zee Figueroa (Dames), Mark Kelsey & Martin Bohan (Knights), and Johanna Jara (Auxiliary).

The Order of Malta is a historic religious and charitable Catholic organization founded in 1048 AD by Blessed Gerard, from whom it derives its name. It is rooted in the Catholic Faith and focused on providing assistance to the poor, sick, and suffering. The Order's mission today is to extend perpetual help and support to individuals facing poverty, sickness or abandonment and to uphold the dignity of people by responding to their need for physical and spiritual assistance.

This year the number of participants has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels: there were over 6,000 participants, including sick people, knights, dames, and volunteers that represented over 41 different countries, a clear sign of faith and hope.

Of the 6,000 participants, there were 1,077 sick people, of whom 201 were children under the age of 12; 191 priests, 14 deacons, 878 pilgrims, 228 doctors, and 135 nurses.

If you would like to learn more about the Order of Malta, please contact Dennis Hardwick at .