On Monday, February 2, the NYC Area braved the cold to celebrate our First Monday Mass in the Lady Chapel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Msgr. Robert Ritchie, GCChC and Chief Chaplain of the American Association was the celebrant of the Mass, which fell on the feast day of the Presentation of the Lord.
In his homily, Msgr. Ritchie said that while it is easy to focus on the Lord’s divinity, we need to remember that he was also human: Jesus’ presentation in the temple in today’s Gospel was a sign that Jesus was truly a child of Israel, a faithful son of the law of Moses, and the fulfillment of all the prophecies in the Old Testament. Through his suffering on the Cross, he won our salvation.
As Msgr. Ritchie reminded us, as followers of Jesus, the Order of Malta is called to walk in his steps. Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum: We defend the faith and serve the poor and sick. Our service is not separate from our faith—it is our living proclamation. Just as Christ’s humanity was inseparable from his divine mission, so too are our works inseparable from our witness to the Gospel.
Following Mass, a large group enjoyed fellowship at a nearby tavern. Please join us for our February 11 celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes/World Day of the Sick and for our next First Monday Mass and monthly social hour on Monday, March 2.
Please scroll through the slideshow below to see more photos from the Mass.
[{"id":"78992","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/25\/lenten-morning-of-recollection-with-bishop-frank-caggiano\/","name":"lenten-morning-of-recollection-with-bishop-frank-caggiano","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4-14.png","alt":""},"title":"Lenten Morning of Recollection\u00a0with Bishop Frank Caggiano","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 25, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-25 18:49:28","modifiedDate":"2026-02-25 18:49:29","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-25 18:49:29","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-western-northern-spirituality-in-action\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - Southern, Western & Northern<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-westchester\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - Westchester<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-western-northern-spirituality-in-action\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - Southern, Western & Northern<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-westchester\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - Westchester<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":45},"status":"publish","content":"On Saturday, February 21st, approximately 70 members of the South West Connecticut and Westchester Areas gathered for Mass and a Lenten Reflection offered by Bishop"},{"id":"78987","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/25\/reflection-for-the-second-sunday-of-lent\/","name":"reflection-for-the-second-sunday-of-lent","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Lent-stock-edited.png","alt":""},"title":"Reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 25, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-25 18:36:22","modifiedDate":"2026-02-25 18:39:27","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-25 18:39:27","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/chaplains-essays\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Chaplains' Corner<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/chaplains-essays\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Chaplains' Corner<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":23},"status":"publish","content":"Time for a Transformation! As usual, the season of Lent seems to be rushing by and we are already at the Second Sunday of the"},{"id":"78981","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/25\/words-of-hope-south-west-connecticut-area-members-inspire-healing-through-books-and-letters\/","name":"words-of-hope-south-west-connecticut-area-members-inspire-healing-through-books-and-letters","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-CT-SW-PM-Books.png","alt":""},"title":"Words of Hope: South West Connecticut Area Members Inspire Healing Through Books and Letters","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 25, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-25 17:25:26","modifiedDate":"2026-02-25 17:25:27","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-25 17:25:27","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-western-northern-spirituality-in-action\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - Southern, Western & Northern<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-western-northern-spirituality-in-action\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - Southern, Western & Northern<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":30},"status":"publish","content":"In a quiet but powerful gesture of compassion, members of the Order of Malta recently came together to offer encouragement and hope to men transitioning"},{"id":"78974","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/25\/allentown-area-members-bring-joy-to-residents-at-cupid-ball\/","name":"allentown-area-members-bring-joy-to-residents-at-cupid-ball","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-22.png","alt":""},"title":"Allentown Area Members Bring Joy to Residents at Cupid Ball","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 25, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-25 17:19:45","modifiedDate":"2026-02-25 17:19:46","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-25 17:19:46","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/pennsylvania-allentown\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Pennsylvania \u2013 Allentown<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/pennsylvania-allentown\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Pennsylvania \u2013 Allentown<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":17},"status":"publish","content":"Several members of the Pennsylvania - Allentown Area assisted with decorating the room, serving lunch, and transporting residents to the Cupid Ball at Holy Family"},{"id":"78965","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/25\/missouri-area-gathers-for-lenten-day-of-reflection-at-the-augustine-institute\/","name":"missouri-area-gathers-for-lenten-day-of-reflection-at-the-augustine-institute","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-21.png","alt":""},"title":"Missouri Area Gathers for Lenten Day of Reflection at the Augustine Institute","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 25, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-25 17:11:41","modifiedDate":"2026-02-25 17:13:53","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-25 17:13:53","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/missouri\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Missouri<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/missouri\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Missouri<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":34},"status":"publish","content":"Last Saturday, members of the Missouri Area came together at the Augustine Institute for a Lenten Day of Reflection. The day featured a presentation by"},{"id":"78959","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/25\/connecticut-north-east-area-hosts-lenten-day-of-recollection-at-yale\/","name":"connecticut-north-east-area-hosts-lenten-day-of-recollection-at-yale","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-CT-NE-Lent.png","alt":""},"title":"Connecticut North East Area Hosts Lenten Day of Recollection at Yale","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 25, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-25 16:25:00","modifiedDate":"2026-02-25 16:25:01","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-25 16:25:01","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-north-east\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - North East<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-north-east\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - North East<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":44},"status":"publish","content":"On Saturday, February 21, the Connecticut - North East Area gathered for its Lenten Day of Recollection at St. Thomas More Chapel at Yale University"},{"id":"78908","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/23\/preparing-for-lourdes-insights-from-the-international-pilgrimage-coordination-committee\/","name":"preparing-for-lourdes-insights-from-the-international-pilgrimage-coordination-committee","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Intl-Lourdes-Committee.png","alt":""},"title":"Preparing for Lourdes: Insights from the International Pilgrimage Coordination Committee","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 23, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-23 19:47:31","modifiedDate":"2026-02-23 20:28:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-23 20:28:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":21},"status":"publish","content":"Whilst many of our members are aware that we have an American Association Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee, many may not be aware there is an Order-wide"},{"id":"78904","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/23\/countdown-to-lourdes-pilgrimage-preparations-in-full-motion\/","name":"countdown-to-lourdes-pilgrimage-preparations-in-full-motion","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Mitch-and-Stacey.png","alt":""},"title":"Countdown to Lourdes: Pilgrimage Preparations in Full Motion","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 23, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-23 19:40:38","modifiedDate":"2026-02-23 21:13:35","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-23 21:13:35","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":47},"status":"publish","content":"With less than 75 days until the 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage, preparations are fully underway. Our clergy team has been confirmed, the medical team (doctors and"},{"id":"78898","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/23\/beyond-the-shops-a-pilgrimage-toward-light-and-renewal\/","name":"beyond-the-shops-a-pilgrimage-toward-light-and-renewal","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Brunels-with-Pod.png","alt":""},"title":"Beyond the Shops: A Pilgrimage Toward Light and Renewal","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 23, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-23 19:18:05","modifiedDate":"2026-02-23 19:19:24","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-23 19:19:24","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":2},"status":"publish","content":"We must concede that our first trip to Lourdes was a failure. We had traveled with our four children from Biarritz on the Atlantic coast"},{"id":"78895","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/23\/healing-for-all-reflections-on-the-grace-of-lourdes\/","name":"healing-for-all-reflections-on-the-grace-of-lourdes","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vigneron-Anointing.png","alt":""},"title":"Healing for All: Reflections on the Grace of Lourdes","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 23, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-23 19:02:37","modifiedDate":"2026-02-23 19:02:38","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-23 19:02:38","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/lourdes-pilgrimage\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Lourdes Pilgrimage<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":47},"status":"publish","content":"To begin to reflect on the times I\u2019ve been part of the Lourdes Pilgrimage immediately becomes an occasion for expressing gratitude for the countless graces"},{"id":"78857","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/young-catholic-professionals-executive-panel-unpacks-the-virtue-of-charity-with-the-order-of-malta\/","name":"young-catholic-professionals-executive-panel-unpacks-the-virtue-of-charity-with-the-order-of-malta","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-20.png","alt":""},"title":"Young Catholic Professionals Executive Panel Unpacks the Virtue of Charity with the Order of Malta","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 20:10:32","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 20:11:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 20:11:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) featured members of the Order of Malta for their Executive Panel Series event on \"The Virtue of Charity\" this past Tuesday,"},{"id":"78846","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/malta-walks-seek-jesus-in-the-poor-and-the-homeless-on-ash-wednesday\/","name":"malta-walks-seek-jesus-in-the-poor-and-the-homeless-on-ash-wednesday","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-19.png","alt":""},"title":"Malta Walks Seek Jesus in the Poor and the Homeless on Ash Wednesday","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 17:05:55","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 17:05:58","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 17:05:58","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":4},"status":"publish","content":"Members and Affiliates of the NYC Area and many volunteers gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral this Ash Wednesday night for Malta Walks. The Cathedral's St."}]
