Caring for
the Sick and Poor
At
the very heart of the Order of Malta's sacred mission lies an
unwavering commitment to the
care of the sick and the poor. This noble tradition has stood the test
of time for over nine centuries, epitomizing our role as Christ's
compassionate hands and loving heart on Earth.
The spirit of
pilgrimage has been deeply interwoven with the Order of Malta since its
inception in the 11th century. Established by Blessed Gerard over 900
years ago, the Order has united men and women in a common purpose:
tending to the needs of the sick and upholding, bearing witness to, and
defending the Catholic faith.
To perpetuate and expand upon this
venerable tradition, the Order of Malta Pilgrimage Foundation was
established in 2014. Its primary objective is to provide essential
financial support for malades—those who battle illness or live with
disabilities—and their dedicated caregivers to embark on Catholic
pilgrimages sponsored by the Order of Malta, all without the burden of
financial worries. These valiant individuals, despite grappling with
health challenges, embark on arduous journeys with the hope of finding
solace in their hearts and healing for their bodies, minds, and spirits.
Our
most celebrated pilgrimage is the annual American Association
Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. In this sacred location, our pilgrims
immerse themselves in the spiritual embrace of daily Mass, anointing of
the
sick, Eucharistic adoration, benediction, moments of introspection,
prayer services, Eucharistic processions, candlelight vigils, rosary
sessions, stations of the cross, communal reflections, and the healing
waters of the Baths. From the moment of departure to our joyous return,
we travel, lodge, and dine as one family, nurturing a deep and profound
sense of unity.
Since 1986, the American Association has
participated in the International Order of Malta Pilgrimage to Lourdes,
typically chartering a plane to facilitate the annual pilgrimage for
around 400 participants, including around 50 malades and their selfless
caregivers. It is important to underline that both malades and
caregivers are honored guests, with their expenses generously covered
by contributions from our members and income from the growing endowment
managed by the Order of Malta Pilgrimage Foundation.
United with
our generous donors, past and present, our primary commitment remains
steadfast: to support the Lourdes Pilgrimage so that those we serve
will
return to their homes, renewed and filled with a deeper sense of God’s
love and inner peace.
Leadership
of the Order of Malta Pilgrimage Foundation
Officers
and Board Members
| President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Board Members: |
Craig Gibson Nancy Gibson Deacon John Powers Joseph Berardino Gail Berardino Peter Bewley William Knowles Jack Pohrer |
Emeritus Directors
| Laure Aubuchon Cissie Ix F.J. McCarthy Charlotte Williams |
Advisory Board
| Chair: Advisors: |
Thomas Egan Kathleen Cardoza Fr. David Caron, OP, Ch.M Michael Castine Susan Egan Althea Howe Nancy Murphy |
Honorary Directors
| Janie Gestal Dean Gestal Peter Krause Annie Lukowski (Lynch Foundation) Elizabeth de Montrichard (Lynch Foundation) Pat McCarthy Dede Milone |
Medical Team Advisors
| Anthony Gagliardi,
MD Peter Kelly, MD Richard Milone, MD John Murphy, MD Anne Peach, RN |
Special Advisors
| Keith Cardoza Katie Everett (Lynch Foundation) Peter Quick |
Principal Chaplain
| Fr. David Caron,
OP, Ch.M |
|
The
Order
of Malta Pilgrimage Foundation
St. Patrick's Cathedral Parish House 14 E. 51st Street New York, NY 10022 |