Order of Malta

The American Association Affiliates

The American Association’s Board of Councillors has defined  ‘Affiliates’ of the Association as comprising two distinct groups: ‘Auxiliary’ who are ages 18 to 39 and ‘Associates’ who are age 40+. Members of both groups are afforded a unique opportunity to:

  • Learn about the Order of Malta with the chance to consider membership at some future date
  • Engage in hands-on works aligned with the Order’s mission of serving the poor and the sick
  • Receive support in their spiritual development
  • Participate in the activities of the Area and the Association
  • Participate in a Catholic community, providing an evangelization opportunity

Auxiliary are further offered the opportunity to develop their own Area and Association wide projects in partnership with the Associations’ leadership and under the organization of their own governance structure.

Who May Join as an Affiliate?

Practicing Roman Catholics who are at least 18 years of age may apply to become an Affiliate. Applicants must be willing to complete the application and satisfy its requirements (e.g. pass background checks performed by the Executive Director).

What Is Expected as an Affiliate?

Affiliates are encouraged to work alongside members of the Order as they fulfill their mission to care for the sick and the poor and defend the faith. They should use their interaction with the members and those they care for to develop an understanding of the Orders unique charism and contemplate whether they might pursue membership in the Order. Auxiliary are encouraged to create their own works, in consultation with their Area Chair(s) that are relevant to their generation.

What Activities Are Involved?

Affiliates are encouraged to work alongside members of the Order as they fulfill their mission to care for the sick and the poor and defend the faith. Auxiliary are encouraged to create their own works, in consultation with their Area Chair(s) that are relevant to their generation. Activities have included:

  • Leading Malta Walks to feed the homeless
  • Working with Habitat for Humanity to renovate homes for the handicapped
  • Leading groups of young adults with disabilities to participate in the Orders International Summer Camp
  • Hosting Theology on Tap talks
  • Supporting programs for the elderly residents of nursing homes and children in hospitals
  • Establishing nursing home pen pal programs
  • Organizing Advent and Lenten retreats in their Areas

Affiliate’s Opportunity to Participate in the Lourdes Pilgrimage

Every year Affiliates, along with the Knights and Dames, take malades (the French word for ‘the sick’) on pilgrimages to the Shrine of our Lady in Lourdes, France.  Affiliates are well recognized for their valuable assistance in caring for the malades. Auxiliary play an especially important role in the pilgrimage as, given their age, are often assigned as pullers of voitures or to work with young malades. Many Knights and Dames root their membership in the Order to their experience as Auxiliary on the Pilgrimage.

For more information about becoming an Affiliate, please contact the Chair of your Area or a Knight or Dame in the American Association.

If you are an Affiliate member in the American Association, please click here to log in.

If you are a Knight or Dame interested in sponsoring an Affiliate, please click here to log into the Members Only section of the website for application information.

Order of Malta, American Association, U.S.A.

American Association, U.S.A
1011 First Avenue, Room 1350
New York, NY 10022
(212) 371-1522