- July 2021
- Thursday, July 1
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Thursday, Jul 1, 2021 Remembering Saint Nicasius Martyr of the Order of Saint John now also of Rhodes and of MaltaThursday, Jul 1, 2021Remembering Saint Nicasius Martyr of the Order of Saint John now also of Rhodes and of MaltaNicasius was the grandson of one of the last emirs of Sicily, who had been converted by Roger of Normandy (or perhaps converted because of Roger). Nicasius was born about 1135 in Sicily, possibly in Palermo, into the Kameti family, later know as 'de Burgo'. He joined the Order of Saint John as a knight, as did his brother Ferrandino. They answered the call of Roger des Moulins and travelled to the Holy Land where Nicasius was martyred in 1187. He fought in the great siege of Acre (1187-1191). According to one tradition he was captured there and beheaded with many others, including his brother Ferrandino. According to another tradition, he was captured during the disastrous battle of The Horns of Hattin and was decapitated in the presence of Saladin after refusing to convert to Islam. Saint Nicasius, as a Knight of Saint John, you gave your life in the Holy Land in defense of Christendom. Pray for the Order of Saint John and for peace in the Holy Land.recurs every year in July on day 1, forever
- Thursday, July 8
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Thursday, Jul 8, 2021 Remembering Blessed Adrian Fortescue Knight of Devotion of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and of Rhodes and of Malta MartyrThursday, Jul 8, 2021Remembering Blessed Adrian Fortescue Knight of Devotion of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and of Rhodes and of Malta MartyrAdrian Fortescue was born around 1480, the son of Sir John Fortescue of Punsbourne, Hertfordshire, England. A cousin of Anne Boleyn, he was made a Knight of the Bath in 1503 and was held in favor by King Henry VIII, taking part in the Wars of England against France in 1513 and 1523. Widowed once and married twice, he had seven children. In 1532 he was received as a Knight of Devotion into the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and very recently (1530) of Malta. In 1539 he was attainted of High Treason without trial by an act of Parliament which condemned fifty persons who opposed the ecclesiastical policies Henry VIII. He was beheaded on Tower Hill, London, on 9 July, together with The Venerable Sir Thomas Dingley, a Knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem has considered Sir Adrian to be a martyr of the Order, and has promoted devotion to him at least since the early seventeenth century. Pope Leo XIII declared him Blessed on 13 May 1895. Blessed Adrian, pray for the Order and all its members, and for religious freedom for all persons.recurs every year in July on day 8, forever
- August 2021
- Thursday, August 5
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Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 at 5 PM to Sunday, Aug 8, 2021 at 11 AM 2021 Our Lady of Good Help PilgrimageThursday, Aug 5, 2021 at 5 PM to Sunday, Aug 8, 2021 at 11 AM2021 Our Lady of Good Help PilgrimageAll Members of the Federal Association and their families and friends are invited. Special Pilgrims (your friends and relatives who are sick, suffering, and aged) are especially invited to attend with you. Pilgrim uniform information will be available for all participants including children after registration is completed. Registration Fees: $450 Adult (18 and older) $250 Children (3-17) Children 2 and under are free. Registration fee includes meals, bus transportation in Green Bay and other pilgrimage expenses. Transportation to/from Green Bay is the responsibility of each pilgrim. Special hotel rates are available and hotel information will be made available after registration is completed. Please direct any questions to Annalice Mollica in the Executive Office. Annalice may be reached by email at amollica@orderofmalta-federal.org or by phone at (202) 331-2494.
- Sunday, August 29
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Sunday, Aug 29, 2021 Remembering The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist Patron of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of MaltaSunday, Aug 29, 2021Remembering The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist Patron of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of MaltaKing Herod had married Herodias, wife of his brother, Philip. At great risk, John the Baptist preached that this was in violation of Jewish law, which Herod was bound to obey even though he was king. Herodias resented this greatly. Herod feared John as a righteous man, but respected him and kept him in protective custody. But Saint John finally was martyred at the behest of Herodias.recurs every year in August on day 29, forever
- Monday, August 30
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Monday, Aug 30, 2021 Remembering Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Cardinal Schuster, OSB Bailiff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of MaltaMonday, Aug 30, 2021Remembering Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Cardinal Schuster, OSB Bailiff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of MaltaHe was born in Rome of Bavarian parents on 18 January 1880 and was baptized Alfredo Ludovico Luigi. He entered the Benedictine monastery of St Paul-Outside-the-Walls when he was 11,and in 1896 began his novitiate, taking the name of Ildefonso. He made his solemn profession in 1902. After studying philosophy at Sant' Anselmo (Rome) and theology at St Paul's Abbey, he was ordained a priest in 1904. He was appointed Archbishop of Milan by Pope Pius XI on 26 June 1929 and created a Cardinal on 15 July. In 1933 he was invested Bailiff in the Order of Malta. A few days before he died, he withdrew to Venegono Seminary. His last, moving words were to the seminarians: “You want something to remember me by. All I can leave you is an invitation to holiness...”. He died a few days later on 30 August 1954. His cause for canonization was introduced in 1957 by his successor, Archbishop Giovanni Battista Montini, the future Pope Paul VI. When his tomb was opened on 28 January 1985, his body was found to be intact. He was beatified on 12 May 1996.recurs every year in August on day 30, forever
- September 2021
- Wednesday, September 8
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Wednesday, Sep 8, 2021 Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary Celebrated as a solemnity in the Order of Malta Under the title of Our Lady of Philermos Patroness of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of MaltaWednesday, Sep 8, 2021Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary Celebrated as a solemnity in the Order of Malta Under the title of Our Lady of Philermos Patroness of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of MaltaIn 1306 the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem bought and occupied the Island of Rhodes. On Mount Philermos in Rhodes there were the remains of a Byzantine church. It had housed a “miraculous” pilgrimage icon of the Blessed Mother, which pious tradition accredited to having been painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist and having been brought from Jerusalem. The Knights of Saint John built a basilica on the spot and reinstated the icon, which was venerated as “Our Lady of All Mercies” and became known near and far as “Our Lady of Philermos”. Since then the Order has been devoted to Our Lady under that title as its protector and patroness. In 1530 the Order moved to Malta and the icon was placed in the church of Saint Lawrence, which soon was badly damaged by fire, but the icon was unscathed. On 19 May 1565 Suleiman began the great Ottoman siege of Malta. Although greatly outnumbered, the Order withstood the attacks. A relief army landed on Malta and the next day, 8 September, the Feast of Our Lady of Philermos, the Turks fled. After Bonaparte captured Malta in 1798, the Order took away the icon of Our Lady of Philermos which came under the protection of the Russian Tsars. It was saved from the 1917 revolution, and in 1919 was taken to Copenhagen. In 1931 it was taken to Yugoslavia and placed under the protection of the king. When the country was invaded in 1941, the icon was hidden in a monastery in Montenegro. It later was found by Tito and placed in a museum in Cetinje but was never displayed. Considered lost for some time, a few years ago the icon was ‘discovered’ and now can be seen at the National Museum in Cetinje, Montenegro.recurs every year in September on day 8, forever
- Thursday, September 23
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Thursday, Sep 23, 2021 Remembering Saints Zachary and Elizabeth Parents of St John the BaptistThursday, Sep 23, 2021Remembering Saints Zachary and Elizabeth Parents of St John the BaptistSaints Zachary and Elizabeth were the parents of St John the Baptist, Patron Saint of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. According to Saint Luke, they were righteous in the eyes of God, observing blamelessly all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.recurs every year in September on day 23, forever
- October 2021
- Tuesday, October 5
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Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021 Remembering Blessed Peter Pattarini of Imola Prior of The Order of St John of JerusalemTuesday, Oct 5, 2021Remembering Blessed Peter Pattarini of Imola Prior of The Order of St John of JerusalemHe was born about 1250 at Imola (Italy) into the family of the lords of Linasio. An able lawyer, at Romagna in 1297 he mediated between the Guelphs (supporting papal authority) and the Gibelines (supporting imperial authority), the factions in Italy in the exceedingly disruptive political and military struggle between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor. He became a knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and was elected Grand Prior at Rome. He devoted great energy to caring for the sick at Florence where he died on 5 October 1320. He was buried in the Church of Saint James in the Campo Corbolini. Blessed Peter, you were a peace maker in a Christendom torn by internal political struggles. Pray for just and lasting peace in our world today, torn by vicious conflicts between seemingly irreconcilable political, social and religious factionsrecurs every year in October on day 5, forever
- Friday, October 8
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Friday, Oct 8, 2021 Remembering Saint Hugh Religious of Our OrderFriday, Oct 8, 2021Remembering Saint Hugh Religious of Our OrderSaint Hugh was born about 1168 at Alessandria (Italy). He became a knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. After lengthy service with the Order in the Holy Land, he was elected Master of the Commandery of St John di Prè in Genoa (Italy), where he worked in the nearby infirmary. He was renowned for miraculous powers over the natural elements. He is believed to have died in 1233.recurs every year in October on day 8, forever
- Monday, October 11
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Monday, Oct 11, 2021 Remembering BLESSED JOHN XXIII, POPE Bailiff of the Sovereign Military Order of MaltaMonday, Oct 11, 2021Remembering BLESSED JOHN XXIII, POPE Bailiff of the Sovereign Military Order of MaltaBlessed Pope John was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli at Sotto il Monte, Italy on 25 November 1881. In 1915 he was drafted as a sergeant in the Italian military medical corps and became a chaplain to the wounded. In 1925 Pius XI made him Bishop and Apostolic Visitor in Bulgaria and he took as his Episcopal motto: Obedientia et Pax (Obedience and Peace). In 1953 he was created Cardinal and became Patriarch of Venice. In 1956 he was invested as Bailiff in the Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. At the death of Pius XII he was elected Pope on 28 October 1958. His was an authentic image of the "Good Shepherd": meek and gentle, enterprising and courageous, simple and active. On 24 June 1961, the patronal feast of our Order, he approved the current Constitution of our Order. In 1962 he opened the Second Vatican Council. He died on the evening of 3 June 1963. Blessed John, during the horrors of war, you served the sick, wounded and dying in military hospitaller duties, caring for their suffering bodies and souls. Pray for the multitude in the world today suffering the ravages of wars and internal conflicts.recurs every year in October on day 11, forever
- Wednesday, October 13
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Wednesday, Oct 13, 2021 Remembering Blessed Fra’ Gerard Founder of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem now also of Rhodes and of MaltaWednesday, Oct 13, 2021Remembering Blessed Fra’ Gerard Founder of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem now also of Rhodes and of MaltaTowards the end of the eleventh century, Gerard went to Jerusalem. There, next to the Church of Saint John, he established a hospice (resting place) for pilgrims and the sick. To maintain his work he founded a religious fraternity. During the Crusader siege of Jerusalem in 1099, he was in the city. All the inhabitants of the city including the Christians were forced to assist in the defense of the walls, but instead of stones, Gerard threw small loaves of bread to the hungry besiegers. Having been so observed by the Muslim guards, He was accused of treachery, but when ordered to open his cloak, instead of loaves of bread, stones fell out. After the conquest of the city, Gerard served the multitude of wounded, sick and dying. Many of the crusading knights put aside the sword to join Gerard in this work and the brotherhood expanded rapidly. On 15 February 1113, Pope Paschal II solemnly approved the Order with the Papal bull, Pie postulatio voluntatis, addressed to ‘Gerard, Founder and Warden of the hospice at Jerusalem and to his lawful successors’. Gerard conceived the principle that the sick and the poor were the ‘lords’ of the members of his order and the members were their ‘serfs’, under the feudal obligation to render the same devotion and reverence that secular lords would receive from their liegemen. He died at Jerusalem on 3 September 1120. Blessed Gerard, we pray for your continued intercession, and the intercession of the great company of our Order with you, that our many works in this terribly suffering world will continue to bear much fruit from the tree you planted.recurs every year in October on day 13, forever
- Friday, October 15
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Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 11 AM to Saturday, Oct 16, 2021 at 11 PM 2021 Investiture WeekendFriday, Oct 15, 2021 at 11 AM to Saturday, Oct 16, 2021 at 11 PM2021 Investiture WeekendPlease save the date for the 2021 Annual Investiture Weekend of the Federal Association. Events will be held on Friday, October 15th and Saturday, October 16th in Washington, DC. The Investiture Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew's Cathedral on Saturday, October 16th at 9:45 AM. The Annual Gala will take place at the Library of Congress, with the Cocktail Reception beginning at 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 16th. Further information regarding events and registration options will be forthcoming in 2021. If you have any questions regarding the 2021 Investiture Weekend, please contact Morgan Baker in the executive office by email at mbaker@orderofmalta-federal.org or by phone at (202) 331-2494.
- Thursday, October 21
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Thursday, Oct 21, 2021 Remembering Blessed Karl, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Head of the House of Habsburg-Lothringen, 1887 -- 1922 Knight of the Order of Saint John of JerusalemThursday, Oct 21, 2021Remembering Blessed Karl, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Head of the House of Habsburg-Lothringen, 1887 -- 1922 Knight of the Order of Saint John of JerusalemBorn the grand nephew of Emperor Franz-Josef, he was far down the line of succession to the throne. Due to a series of tragedies, in 1916 in the middle of the The Great War (World War I), he succeeded to the imperial and royal crowns. He very strongly opposed the war and attempted through secret negotiations to bring about a fair and lasting peace. As a result he was known as "The Peace Emperor". In 1919 the socialist government forced him into exile where he and his family lived a quite, humble, deeply religious Catholic life. His attempt in 1921 to return to Hungary failed. Emperor Karl and his family were exiled to the island of Madeira where they lived in poverty, and where he bore a serious illness with great trust in God. He died in Funchal on 1 April 1922. The date for his memorial was set as 21 October, the day on which he had married Zita, Princess of the House of Bourbon-Parma. Blessed Karl, at great danger to yourself and your family, you worked diligently to end the incredible destruction and bloodshed of The Great War. In spite of losing your crowns, your power, your country, your wealth, and your health, you never lost your profound trust in God. Pray for us and for peace in our worldrecurs every year in October on day 21, forever
- November 2021
- Friday, November 19
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Friday, Nov 19, 2021 Remembering All Saints of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of MaltaFriday, Nov 19, 2021Remembering All Saints of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of MaltaWhen we remember “all the saints” of our Order, it is well to reflect that we refer not only to those who have been formally recognized by the Church through beatification or canonization. On this day we remember the thousands of our predecessors in the Order of St John, including knights, sisters, dames, chaplains, auxiliary troops, supporters who have already entered the presence of God, joining in heaven that venerable fraternity of Blessed Fra’ Gerard, for all such are recognized as ‘saints’.recurs every year in November on day 19, forever
- December 2021
- Thursday, December 2
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Thursday, Dec 2, 2021 Celebrated in the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta under the title Our Lady of Liesse, Cause of Our JoyThursday, Dec 2, 2021Celebrated in the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta under the title Our Lady of Liesse, Cause of Our JoyIn 1134 three Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, the sons of William, sire of Eppes, Jean, Hector, and Henri, fell prisoners of the Muslims at Ascalon and were sent to Egypt. They reportedly miraculously found or received in their prison from an angel a statue of Our Lady, which they named "Notre Dame de Liesse" [“Our Lady of Joy” in French]. The Sultan sent his daughter Ismerie to the dungeon to convert the three knights, In response to their prayers, Ismerie, took an interest in the Knights and through the intercession of Our Lady and the mercy of God the princess was converted. The princess arranged the escape of the pious crusaders and joined them on their journey to France. During their flight all four fall asleep, and during their sleep they were miraculously transported to Northern France, awakening close to the Eppes’ castle. They carried the statue with them, and in the region of Laon, about 35 miles northwest of Reims, they founded a church as a resting place for the statue. Through local devotion the church took on the name of the statue, and gave that name to the whole region, so that "Notre Dame de Liesse" came to mean both "Our Lady of Joy" and "Our Lady of [the place called] Liesse". The statue came to be venerated by many, and "Our Lady of Liesse" became the Patroness of the Diocese of Soissons. In 1620 the titular Bailiff of Armenia, Fra' Jacques Chenu de Bellay, built a church to Our Lady of Liesse at Valletta in Malta. The original statue was destroyed during the French Revolution, but the medieval basilica at Liesse remained a center of devotion to the Mother of God, and a new statue was installed and crowned there in 1857. It is still the focus of pilgrimage, especially on Whit Monday.recurs every year in December on day 2, forever
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