The Michigan Area recently welcomed 30 potential new members to an evening reception at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham. The Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, served as host; 20 Dames, Knights, and auxiliaries also attended, welcoming and educating guests about the Order.

The May 28 event introduced prospective members to the Order of Malta, its history, and its charisms, including care of the poor and sick. Archbishop Vigneron spoke about how he first learned of the Order of Malta when he became bishop of Oakland, California, and was welcomed by members of the Order there. He was inspired to join the Order while on pilgrimage to Lourdes, where he saw Malta members caring for malades.

Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, gave a brief presentation on “The Order of Malta as a Path to Sanctification,” explaining, “The goal is to help you get to Heaven.” A video of the American Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage was shown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmirtdXuyKE). Kathleen Mastrangelo, Michigan Area Hospitaller, spoke about the Order’s works in Michigan, linking those efforts to the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

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 1 at St. Owen Church in Bloomfield Hills. On June 2, 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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