The Michigan Area’s First Saturday of 2026 was marked by hope and poignant remembrances of a young malade who participated in the American Association’s 2025 Lourdes Pilgrimage.

The First Saturday took place at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where Rev. John Maksym, ChD, is pastor; the parish is located in Detroit’s historic Greektown neighborhood.

As is traditional for the Michigan Area, the event offered the full First Saturday devotion. Before Mass, Fr. Maksym heard confessions. In lieu of the Rosary, Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, led the recitation of the Order’s Beatitudes Chaplet.

Readings at Mass were proclaimed by Lou Grech-Cumbo, KM, and Associate Lisa Juriga. Donna Nelson, DM, and Doug Nelson, KM, offered the Prayers of the Faithful. Andy Smith led the group in the Daily Prayer of the Order at the conclusion of Mass.

Fr. Maksym offered the Mass for the soul of 16-year-old Ava Jabczenski, a malade on the 2025 Lourdes Pilgrimage who died on the afternoon of Christmas Day. After Mass, Eileen Newell, DM, who sponsored Ava for the pilgrimage, and others who participated in the pilgrimage shared memories of Ava and her Lourdes experience. After six years battling brain cancer, the normally upbeat teenager was understandably “in a down time” at the start of the pilgrimage. Although the visit to Lourdes did not result in a physical healing, Ava, and her family, found peace. Comments were that Ava’s classmates recognized the positive change in her and asked “What happened?” Andy Smith, who attended her funeral, commented that Ava was laid to rest with her Lourdes name tag, ribbon, and medal, and that the cover photo for her funeral program was of Ava in Lourdes, wearing her Order of Malta hat. He added that he believed, “We were in touch with a saint … we have a new and powerful intercessor in Heaven today.”

Breakfast was provided by Donna and Doug Nelson, members of the Michigan Area’s Hospitality Ministry. Lectio Divina followed, led by Fr. Maksym, focusing on the Gospel reading for the Feast of the Epiphany, Mt. 2:1 – 12. Among other matters, the discussion addressed how the gifts of the Magi foreshadow Jesus as king, priest, and sacrifice.

The Michigan Area thanks Fr. Maksym and the staff at Old St. Mary’s for hosting this very special First Saturday of 2026.

Following the First Saturday, Michigan Area members took food, clothing, and other supplies to those living on the street in Detroit. See, “Michigan Area’s ‘Into the Fire’ brings warmth to Detroit’s homeless.”

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