On Monday, December 1, Knights, Dames, Auxiliary, and Affiliates of the NYC Area gathered for their First Monday Mass at Our Lady Chapel in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Douglas Mathers, ChM.

In his homily, Msgr. Mathers offered a profound Advent reflection, reminding us that as the Church enters this sacred season—much like Lent—we are called to pray, give alms, and prepare our hearts to encounter Jesus. He reflected on the Gospel story of Jesus healing the centurion’s servant, even when the centurion felt unworthy.

As members of the Order of Malta, we are inspired to seek out the sick and the poor, especially when the world overlooks them. In serving with dignity, we affirm that every person we encounter has a name and is worthy of God’s love.