Several Knights and Dames from the Philadelphia area, on a recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, were blessed to visit many sites where Our Beloved Lord Jesus walked, lived, died, and rose to Heaven. On one visit to the “Old City” district of Jerusalem, we were able to pray and reflect at the historical site where Blessed Gerard ministered to the sick more than 900 years ago!   It was indeed a blessing to visit the nascence of the Order of Malta. 

What a wonder to realize that the seeds of born of service and faith, planted in what is now commemorated by a small memorial garden and honored by an engraved monument, have grown and prospered across the centuries!  Oh, how the fruit of those seeds, the twofold mission of our Order of Malta, have been cultivated and benefited people around the globe.  It was humbling to pray together,  that we be strengthened to continue our mission, with fortified spirits and hearts touched by grace.  Lord, may we go forth from this most Holy City, and to all those we serve, may we see in their faces the image of Our Risen Lord with a more intimate perspective.