St Ann Melkite Church Welcomes the Order of Malta

The parish welcomed the Order of Malta of the Eastern CT Area today for a meeting of 25 people, Knights, Dames, and Associates and friends. The day included updates on activities of our Eastern CT Area, the work of the Order in the Association, and a brief witness talk by Father Dennis McCarthy, our pastor.

The Divine Liturgy was served by Father Dennis McCarthy and concelebrated by Bishop Peter Rosazza (conventual chaplain) and Father Joseph MacNeill (deputy chaplain).

An incredibly delicious Lenten meal was prepared for us by Joumanna Hajj and her brother Maroun, with the assistance of several others.

The Order of Malta describes itself in this manner:

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. Present in Palestine in around 1050, it is a lay religious Order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, noble nature. Its 13,500 members include Professed Friars and others who have made the promise of obedience. The other Knights and Dames are lay members, devoted to the exercise of Christian virtue and charity. What distinguishes the Knights and Dames of Malta is their commitment to reaching their spiritual perfection within the Church and to expending their energies serving the poor and the sick.

More information here:

~Order of Malta
~Order of Malta American Association
~Order of Malta Eastern CT Area

~The Order of Malta serves in Lebanon

Advent Recollection Day for the Order of Malta Eastern CT Area

Today the Order of Malta -Eastern Connecticut Area met at Holy Apostles College & Seminary for the Advent Day of Recollection (meeting, lesson, Holy Mass & lunch). Along with Bishop Peter Rosazza we had Father Peter Kucer, MSA, President/Rector of the Seminary give the lesson and offer Mass.

Our special guests were Dr & Mrs Peter Kelly, the outgoing President of the American Association of the Order of Malta.

We are grateful to the several members of the Seminary community who were generous with the hospitality.

Order of Malta Eastern CT observe November devotions

The month of November brings us to devote time in prayer and community praying for the faithful departed, visiting the cemetery, offering Holy Mass, and remembering. In short, November is devoted to the souls in purgatory.

This prayer from the Byzantine Church speaks in complement to psalms 50 and 130 orients our hearts and minds:

By Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham’s bosom. Grant it to those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom.

Today, the Order of Malta-Eastern CT Area gathered for Mass.

May the souls of the faith departed rest in peace.

Lourdes in a Day

Today, we had the Lourdes in a Day encounter with the Lord of Life organized by Mark and Cherith Sullivan of the Order of Malta (Eastern CT Area) with the assistance of other members of the Order of Malta.

Lourdes in a Day is meant imitate what happens in miniature of happens when the sick are taken to the Lourdes Shrine in the Spring. to provide the sick and those others needing the healing graces of the sacraments of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and the Holy Eucharist. Join us in prayer. The Rosary was prayed, personal intentions made, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

About 200 people joined us in prayer and joined for lunch.

Defense of the Faith Dinner 2023

Earlier today the Order of Malta of Eastern CT  had the Appreciation Dinner a beautiful celebration for beloved retired clergy in the Diocese of Norwich including the three MSA from Holy Apostles Seminary.

This dinner was founded several years ago by the late Dr Robert Straab, KM, to show appreciation to the retired clergy who served in the Diocese of Norwich, CT.  The continues with the current members of the Eastern CT area of the Order of Malta under the leadership Richard Feil, KM.

Order of Malta Eastern CT Area Celebrates Feast of St. John the Baptist

Today, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is a solemn feast for the Order of Malta as the Forerunner to the Messiah is our patron saint. The Eastern Connecticut are of the Order of Malta met for a meeting, some education, Holy Mass and scrumptious meal. Sister Maryann Cantlon, CSJ, gave an informative presentation on Restorative Justice (aka Prison Ministry). Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Richard Cote, ChC.

The day’s events took place at St. Bernard Church, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Rockville-Vernon, CT. Gina Raymond, DM, Area Membership Chair, hosted the event and invited members of her Parish Council to participate in the Mass and to attend lunch with the Clergy.

Blessed feast to all members of the Order of Malta! May Saint John the Baptist continue to intercede for us.

On the ground in Ukraine

EWTN News in Depth (12/16/2022) has a review of the plight of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. There are several pivotal interviews for our consideration.

Watch “On the Ground in Ukraine.” One of the groups the news profiles, the Order of Malta, is also a group that has helped us in New Haven with giving food and aid.

I am happy that we can collaborate with the Order of Malta (Southeast CT Area) assisting Ukrainians. We have made several substantial donations that are on the way to Ukraine.

An Advent Day with the Order of Malta

Earlier today the Southeast CT area section of the Order of Malta met for its annual Advent Day meeting, Holy Mass and lunch. A delightful time with these brothers and sisters in faith and service.

I was only able to make the tail end of Mass and lunch due to my attendance at my godmother’s funeral rites. A deep sorrow at Pam’s transitus to the Lord. Please keep my godmother Pam in your prayers; she lived with the tragic disease of ALS.

The photo above shows us with Bishop Peter Rosazza and Fr Thomas Kelly and the Knights and Dames of Malta and the Associates.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Blessed Gerard, pray for us.