Anyone discerning membership in the Order of Malta should be asking “Is this the way for me to follow Christ more closely?”

Speaking at the Michigan Area’s May 26 prospective members event, His Excellency Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit, added that “The very fact that you’re here is pleasing to God” as showing a desire to grow in holiness. Pursuing holiness “is part of our baptismal call,” he observed.

The archbishop told attendees that the Order has a “long tradition rooted in chivalry,” the knightly code based on Christian virtue, including protection of the weak.

Co-hosting the event with Archbishop Vigneron was Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, who joined the Order earlier this year as Conventual Chaplain Ad Honorem. (See “Michigan Area participates in Archdiocese of Detroit’s Anointing Mass – and welcomes Archbishop Weisenburger to Order of Malta on Order’s 913th anniversary”) Michigan Area Andy Smith, KM, presented Archbishop Weisenburger with an Order of Malta Cross chasuble.

The event took place at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica Conference Center in Royal Oak. Dames, Knights, and Auxiliaries welcomed about 20 prospective members.

Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, gave a brief presentation on the Order of Malta, its history, and its charisms, including care of the poor and sick. He led with the Daily Prayer of the Order, adding afterwards that “Everything about the Order is here [in the prayer].”

The Order is not a social or volunteer organization, but a religious order, he emphasized. “This is not about being busy; the goal is to help you get to Heaven … this is not a path of comfort.”

A video of the American Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage was shown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmirtdXuyKE). A display table included books by Michigan Area member Peggy Stanton, DM, devotional materials, and information about the annual Lourdes Pilgrimage.

As part of the discernment process, prospective members were encouraged to take part in the Order’s many local opportunities to care for the poor and sick. Andy Smith said prospective members will also receive invitations to future Michigan Area events, including First Saturdays, to help them assess whether they are called to join the Order.

The Michigan Area’s next event is the American Association’s summer retreat on June 5 – 7 in Adrian, Michigan. On June 7, 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.

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