On Monday, June 1, the NYC Area gathered to celebrate our First Monday Mass in the Lady Chapel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fr. John Anderson, the ArchCare VP of Mission Integration, was the celebrant of the Mass. The Mass was honored by the presence of H.M.E.H. Prince and Grand Master Frà John Dunlap; Frà Nicola Tegoni, Member of the Sovereign Council; and Ken Craig, GCM, President of the American Association.

The Mass was also the occasion for the presentation of distinguished Order honors to two NYC Area members, awarded by the Grand Master. Scott LaRue, KM received the Commander Cross Pro Merito Melitensi for his distinguished career in health care, including 15 years as President and CEO of ArchCare. Joe Vale, KM received the Cross Pro Merito Melitensi for his efforts and generosity with the NYC Area, including being the driving force behind the establishment of the NYC Area Mobile Ministry. The complete awards citations are included at the end of this writeup. The NYC Area heartily congratulates Scott and Joe on their well deserved recognition!

In his homily, Fr. John drew on the first reading from the Second Letter of Saint Peter with its beautiful “ladder of virtues” to reflect on the theme of steadfastness. He noted that the opening prayer of the Mass itself set the tone, asking that we “become steadfast in the faith.” St. Peter’s exhortation to build upon faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love is a demanding call. Steadfastness, Fr. John reminded us, is what holds it all together. Drawing on St. John Chrysostom, he described steadfastness as the queen of all virtues: not mere patience, but patience with courage. It is, he said, a virtue more needed now than ever, given all that is happening in the world. He closed with a reminder of where our anchor lies: our hope is in Jesus.

Following Mass, a large group enjoyed lively fellowship at a reception on the patio of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Please join us for our next First Monday Mass and monthly social hour on Monday, July 6.

Please scroll through the slideshow below to see more photos from the Mass. The complete awards citations appear below the slideshow.

Scott LaRue, KM

Scott LaRue was invested as a Knight of Magistral Grace in 2012. With a remarkable career in health care for over 30 years, Scott has served for over 15 years as the president and CEO ArchCare, the health care system of the Archdiocese of New York. He has led ArchCare to become one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic Catholic health care ministries, with a staff of over 4,400 serving more than 10,000 people of all ages and faiths, many of limited financial means, through a continuum of home and community-based and residential care programs. Services also include specialized programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease, intellectual and developmental disabilities and other complex health and social needs. Scott has championed the development of volunteer opportunities for members of the Association, with particular attention on young members; his success in this regard is probably most recognized at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center.

In recognition of his exemplary service, H.M.E.H. Frà John Dunlap, the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, with the deliberative vote of the Sovereign Council has been pleased to award the Commander Cross Pro Merito Melitensi to Scott LaRue. 

Joseph Vale, KM

Joseph Vale was invested as a Knight of Magistral Grace in 1994. Joe has worked very closely with the leadership of the New York Area, to grow the works of the Order in New York City and encourage participation of members in hands-on work serving the poor and sick. Joe’s gracious generosity and tireless effort made it possible for the area to secure the largest Mobile Ministry Van in the Tri-Association Fleet. Joe is presently working with area Leadership to endow and build a sustainable program to serve those who are food insecure and medically vulnerable in low-income neighborhoods. 

In his professional career, Joe was Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer at Parkview International, Inc., where he was responsible for investment management services and operations. His investment career, which began in 1966, has included positions at Lazard Frères, Citibank and JP Morgan, before joining Parkview in 1994. 

In recognition of his exemplary service, H.M.E.H. Frà John Dunlap., the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, with the deliberative vote of the Sovereign Council has been pleased to award the Cross Pro Merito Melitensi to Joseph Vale.