Federal Association at the 32nd International Hospitallers' Conference

Jane Lanier, DM, Association Hospitaller, and Deacon Michael Stankewicz, Executive Director, represented the Federal Association - U.S.A. at the International Hospitallers’ Conference in Cologne, Germany, from March 19-22. Please take the time to read the summary of this important conference by clicking here.

As you will read the focus was on the resilience of our Order. Given the complex challenges in many sectors of society worldwide, we were challenged to prepare for our future. And so, I pass on this challenge to our Regional Hospitallers. Begin now, if you haven’t already, to determine what resources and new ways of thinking you and your region will need to grow and sustain the critically important spiritual and service works of our Order.

What will it take in 2026 and over the next 3-5 years to provide the continuation of our traditions, but also address new humanitarian needs for our lords, the sick and the poor? How will you grow membership that will support creativity and bolster ideas that fulfill our charisms? How will younger Knights and Dames involve our older members to benefit from their wisdom and expertise?

The International Hospitallers’ Conference themes, which focused on responding to crises in collaborative ways, can be adjusted to match the needs and partnerships we have within our own regions in the Federal Association. If you do not have a Communication Chair that also serves as a ‘point person’ in your region to stay in contact with its members, its Hospitaller, and the Federal Association Executive Office, I encourage the Regional Hospitallers to identify one.

I look forward to speaking with any of you who may have questions or ideas that reflect the needs within our Regions.

On behalf of Deacon Michael and myself, thank you for this opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate within the worldwide Order of Malta!