From Chicago to Bethlehem, United in Mission

Each year, the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in June offers members of the Order an opportunity to pause, pray, and renew our commitment to Christ and to our lords the sick and the poor. This year, our Chicago Region, of both the American and Federal associations, celebrated that call in a particularly meaningful way. Joined by Michèle Burke Bowe, ambassador of the Order of Malta to Palestine and president of the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation, our local celebration reminded us that our vocation reaches far beyond Chicago—to the mothers, newborns, and families served each day at Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem.

Our gathering took on added significance as Ambassador Bowe traveled from the East Coast to spend the entire day with our region—not simply to offer remarks at dinner, but to pray with us, participate in our half-day retreat, renew fellowship with our members, and share firsthand the extraordinary work of Holy Family Hospital. By bringing the story of Bethlehem to Chicago, she helped us understand better how our prayers, generosity, and support become tangible expressions of hope for mothers and babies in the Holy Land.

The day began with a half-day retreat led by the Rev. Paweł Komperda, who reflected on the example of St. John the Baptist and his call to humility, conversion, and faithful service. His message prepared us spiritually for the renewal of our commitments later in the day. With characteristic humor, Father noted that the steady rain outside was fitting for the feast of the one who baptized with water—reminding us that we, too, are continually called to renewal.

Following the retreat, members spent time in Eucharistic Adoration and had the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, grounding the day in prayer before gathering for fellowship and updates on the life of our region.

The Mass was a beautiful expression of our shared faith. Sacred music, including Mozart’s Missa Brevis, lifted our prayer, while the presence of five priests, including magistral chaplains of both associations, Msgr. Robert Dempsey and the Rev. Richard Fragomeni, reflected the richness of our Catholic tradition. During the liturgy, knights and dames renewed their commitments to the Order, reaffirming their dedication to serving the Church and our lords the sick and the poor. Those present also witnessed the blessing bestowed upon and the pledge taken by those joining the Federal Association Auxiliary. Throughout the day, Ambassador Bowe took part with us in the retreat, Mass, and fellowship before dinner, reflecting the unity of our shared mission. Later that evening, she remarked that the liturgy had been among the most beautiful she had experienced—a testament to the reverence, prayer, and careful preparation offered by so many.

In her evening presentation, Ambassador Bowe shared the story of Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, where mothers receive compassionate care and thousands of babies are born each year despite extraordinary challenges. Her first-hand witness brought this remarkable ministry to life, helping everyone present understand that the work of the Order extends across continents. By gathering in such large numbers—104 for Mass and 92 for dinner—our Federal and American regions not only celebrated our patron saint but also helped spread awareness of this life-saving mission, allowing more members and guests to hear how they can support the families of Bethlehem.

The celebration continued at Park Ridge Country Club, where members and guests gathered for fellowship. The evening reminded us that while our works begin here in Chicago, they become part of something far greater through the worldwide ministry of the Order of Malta.

Despite the rain that accompanied us throughout the day—preventing our usual group photograph—it seemed a fitting symbol of St. John the Baptist’s presence among us. As Father Komperda reminded us, we were all being “baptized” on this special feast.

More than anything, this year’s celebration highlighted the connection between our patron saint’s example and the work of the Order today. Just as St. John pointed others to Christ, we are called to serve with humility, bringing hope, healing, and dignity to those in need.

We are grateful to all who participated, planned, and supported this meaningful day. Through prayer, fellowship, and the witness of Ambassador Bowe, we were reminded that our mission reaches from Chicago to Bethlehem and that each of us plays a part in carrying it forward.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30