For the Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta, a lay religious order with roots in the ancient Church, the Feast of Corpus Christi “is a lived reality,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2025 Knights of Malta Mass
Addressing some 40 members of the Order in his June 22 homily during Mass in St. Catherine Parish, Spring Lake, Bishop O’Connell reminded those gathered, “As members or supporters of the Order, your calling is deeply Eucharistic. You are custodians of a tradition of care that goes back to Jerusalem itself—a living witness to Christ’s mercy. Your works must always flow from the altar and return there in thanksgiving.”
The Bishop continued, “For the Knights and Dames of Malta, this feast is not just a theological cornerstone … The Eucharist is the source of your strength and the summit of your mission. In every hospital you support, in every refugee you shelter, in every person you serve, you are not merely offering aid — you are offering Christ.”
Bishop O’Connell mixes and mingles during the dinner that followed the Mass he celebrated for the Knights and Dames of Malta. Mike Ehrmann photo
Serving since the Middle Ages
According to orderofmaltaamerican.org, the Order, originally known as the Knights Hospitaller, was founded in Jerusalem around 1048 to care for pilgrims and establish a hospital to care for those of any religious faith or race. The hospital, directed by now Blessed Gerard, founder of the Order, was built near a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The Order, which adopted St. John as their patron saint, is also known as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
The motto of the Order of Malta, Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum, is a Latin phrase that embodies the mission to nurture, witness and protect the Catholic faith and serve the poor and sick.
Betsy and Chris McLaughlin, the Order of Malta’s N.J. area co-chairs, explained, “The Order of Malta N.J. has 12 active ministries in which we serve the poor and sick throughout our five dioceses. In the Diocese of Trenton, we support Linkages through an area grant which provides household items for their clients. Once a month we meet for our Food Packs to Goministry; this ministry assembles large plastic bags of food and snacks for the children at Linkages.“
The McLaughlins added, “We also meet four times a year for another grant recipient, The Center in Asbury Park. Knights, Dames and volunteers purchase food, heat, serve and clean up four Sundays annually for the clients at The Center. The Center’s local area grant last year enabled the purchase of a washer/dryer as well as two laptops for their clients use in their new common room.”
Additionally, New Jersey owns a Malta Mobile Van which is used throughout the state to transport food, medical supplies and clothing, they said.
Internationally, the Order provides humanitarian assistance and carries out charitable works for the poor, the needy, and those marginalized by society in more than 130 countries. It is especially involved in helping people living with armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival.
Rooted in the Eucharist
During Liturgical processions, members of the Order are recognized by their distinctive black robes and capes, embroidered with a white, eight-pointed Maltese cross, which, said Bishop O’Connell, “is not just a symbol of honor; it is a reminder of the Beatitudes, which find their fullest expression in the Eucharist. For in the Eucharist, the poor are blessed, the hungry are filled, and the merciful are shown mercy.”
Bishop O’Connell stressed that for the Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta, who vow to defend the faith and serve the poor, the Feast of Corpus Christi “has particular resonance. For the Eucharist is both our strength and our mission. In the Sacred Host, Christ offers not only his presence but the pattern: to be broken, poured out, and shared.”
“We were honored to have Bishop O’Connell this year as our celebrant,” said Betsy McLaughlin, noting the annual Mass, which this year was followed by dinner at the Spring Lake Golf Club, is traditionally celebrated on or near the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24).
“Over 13,500 Knights and Dames of the Order worldwide serve the sick and the poor, while we here in New Jersey try to do our part in making the world a little better,” said McLaughlin.
Bishop O’Connell poses for a photo with members of the Knights of Malta and priests who concelebrated the June 22 Mass in St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake. Mike Ehrmann photos