Members of the Order of Malta  are called “to follow Jesus more closely, and to follow Him through caring for the sick and the poor,” explained the Michigan Area’s principal chaplain, the Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, at a recent reception for prospective members.

Archbishop Vigneron was the Archdiocese of Detroit’s principal shepherd for 16 years, taking emeritus status in March 2025, when he was succeeded by Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger.

“Do I want to follow Jesus more closely? Every step [in the process of discerning whether to join the Order] is about that question,” Archbishop Vigneron added. The Order’s purpose “is to glorify God by promoting the sanctity of each member.”

The archbishop served as host of the May 28 reception, which was held at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe Shores. The event was attended by approximately 30 potential new members, with a number of Dames, Knights, and auxiliaries on hand to help educate guests about the Order.

Also speaking was Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, who gave a presentation on the Order of Malta, its history, and its charisms, including care of the poor and sick. He commented that the date of the reception coincided with the feast day of St. Ubaldesca, a saint of the Order and patroness of Pisa, Italy,  A video of the American Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage was shown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmirtdXuyKE).

Prospective members who attended the reception will be contacted with invitations to future Michigan Area events and to assess their level of interest in joining the Order.

The Michigan Area’s next event is a “First Saturday” on June 7 at St. Owen Church in Bloomfield Hills.  On June 22, Michigan Area members will attend the Feast of Corpus Christi Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, and will participate in the Eucharistic Procession that follows. On June 28, the Michigan Area will hold its annual Mass in honor of St. John the Baptist, followed by the Area’s annual meeting, at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy.

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