Knights and Dames give days, nights to serving Church

Someone once said, "The days of chivalry are dead." They were wrong. In the Capital District, "Knights" and "Dames" are hard at work, performing works of mercy for people young and old.

These Catholic men and women devote their time, talents and treasure to improving the lives of the sick, poor, disabled and homeless.

They are the Knights and Dames of Malta, who follow a 1,000-year Christian tradition in promoting spiritual welfare, practicing faith through works of mercy, and defending the Church and the Holy See.

Membership

According to Margaret F. Maloy, secretary of the group in the Capital District, membership is directed specifically to Catholics of exemplary character who share the order's devotion to the sick and poor. While they make sizable monetary donations to help others, they also perform service in the community.

"We are dedicated to 'hands-on' service here in the Capital District," said Mrs. Maloy, adding that the Albany-area group has a strong pro-life commitment.

The members, totaling about 57, work steadily with such agencies as Masterson Child Development Center, Seton Respite Child Development Center, Mercy House and the Heery Center for Young Families, all Catholic Charities organizations. They work with other agencies as the need arises.

History

Organized by the armies of the First Crusade before the taking of Jerusalem in 1099, the Knights of Malta initially dedicated themselves to administering a hospice-type infirmary for pilgrims to the Holy Land.

In ages past, the Knights literally defended the Catholic Church and the Holy See, but they also established places of refuge for the poor. As a result, the order soon became identified as a religious-military order, unique among the many different lay religious orders.

The Maltese cross is the symbol of the ancient order because it was worn by knights who defended Christianity.

Peaceful pursuits

Today, the Knights do not partake in military operations, but they still fulfill the order's criteria for:

* promoting the interest and welfare of the illiterate, sick and poor;

* cooperating with agencies or institutions to promote the welfare of the unfortunate;

* taking initiatives to improve the security, comfort, happiness, physical, mental and moral conditions of humanity;

* advancing and promoting educational, religious, charitable and benevolent endeavors already in existence, or creating new ones devoted to humanitarian work; and

* collecting funds for the purpose of supporting charitable endeavors.

Lourdes link

The Capital District group meets monthly for a first Friday Mass and a breakfast where they plan events and activities. Each year, they make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. They take with them several handicapped or sick individuals whom they work with during the year.

"This is a major trip for us," said Mrs. Maloy. "Although we do not require our members to go to Lourdes, it is strongly recommended."

Asked why the group makes such a recommendation, Mrs. Maloy replied that once a person has traveled to Lourdes, their ministry and their life are not the same. "Miracles happen there all the time," she said; "once one witnesses the healings, life takes on a new meaning."

Spiritual work

The Knights and Dames attend two days of recollection each year, one in Advent and another during Lent. In addition, the group performs Eucharistic ministry year-round at three area hospitals: St. Peter's, Albany Medical Center and Albany Memorial Hospital.

According to Mrs. Maloy, there is a two-year preparation period for prospective members.

"Once invited to join the order, those that are preparing to enter have certain requirements that must be met, including becoming familiar with our history, its spirituality and our work in performing corporal works of mercy," she explained. "They must promise to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes within the first five years of membership and attend an annual retreat or the days of recollection."

In addition, members pledge at least 12 hours of service during the year, including working directly with the sick, poor and/or elderly.

Satisfaction

Mrs. Maloy said that being a member of the Knights and Dames of Malta is not a calling for everyone; but for those who are called, it is a very satisfying, lifetime commitment.

"Wearing the eight-pointed Maltese cross represents an obligation to serve Our Lord, the sick and the poor, in the name of Him who created them," she said.

(Those interested in learning more about the Knights and Dames of Malta in the Albany Diocese may contact Mrs. Maloy at 785-3985.

To learn more about the history of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem, visit www.newadvent.org, click on "K" and then on Knights of Malta. To view the history of the Maltese cross, go to www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/church.)

(10-11-01)