Order of Malta - Philadelphia Area - American Association

05/28/2026

St. Ubaldesca - Pray for Us!

St. Ubaldesca

Memorial: 28 May

She was born in Calcinaia, near Pisa, in 1136 and joined the Order of St. John of Jerusalem at the age of fifteen. She worked for fifty-five years in the infirmary attached to the monastery at Pisa, caring for her neighbour out of love of God. She died on 28 May 1206 and her body was taken back to Calcinaia where it is enshrined. She performed a number of miracles during her life and after her death.

Prayer:

O God, pride of the humble lover of virginity, you called Saint Ubaldesca to the religious life in the Order of St. John of Jerusalem: grant that through her prayers and example we may rejoice in being humble and follow you, with pure minds. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

05/23/2026

Today the Order commemorates the Memorial of Blessed William Apor, Martyr.

Vilmos Apor was a Hungarian bishop who earned a special reputation for his service to the poor, especially during the months of hardship that came with World War II. Named bishop of Gyor by Pope Pius XII in 1941, Bishop Apor chose as his motto: "The Cross strengthens the weak and makes the strong gentle."

During air raids, he was known for opening his own house to those whose homes had been destroyed. When Russian troops entered the city in 1945, many women including religious took refuge in his episcopal residence. On Good Friday, 1945, three Russian soldiers came to his residence and demanded that the women be taken from there to their own barracks. When he flatly refused and placed himself to block them, one of the Russians shot and wounded him. Out of fear they then fled, leaving the women unmolested. Bishop Apor lived in great agony for three days and died on Easter Monday.

"Almighty and Eternal God, through your grace, Blessed Bishop William, by courageously shedding his blood for his flock, earned a martyr's crown. Grant that we, despite the difficulties of our daily lives, may do your will and offer our good works for the salvation of our brothers and sisters.

We make our prayer through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever - Amen"

05/18/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast of Blessed Gerard Mecatti of Villamagna

Blessed Gerard came to Palestine where he entered as a servant in the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. After his return to Italy, he lived as a hermit in penance and prayer, in imitation of St. Francis of Assisi.

Once he fell ill, some Johannite nuns from Florence took care of him. One evening in January, when the nun asked him if he would like something, he replied with a smile: “Yes, I would like to eat cherries”. The nun initially thought that he was delirious but since Brother Gerard insisted, she was persuaded to go out. In a nearby field she saw a cherry tree full of beautiful red and very ripe fruit, fresh as in June. This is why Blessed Gerard Mecatti is often represented holding a branch loaded with red cherries.

He died around 1245. His body is in Villamagna, where his memory is celebrated every year. In the 17th century his body was still well preserved and emitted a pleasant fragrance.

"O God, who called Blessed Gerard, like your own son, to intense striving in the wilderness, strengthen us by penance and prayer and make us fitter for our Christian duties. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

Amen.

05/16/2026

God bless our newly ordained priests.

08/18/2024

When taking leave of brethren, it was customary for Knights to give and to receive a blessing. The form below derives from the medieval promises of the Hospitallers and describes their special vocation:

May Almighty God bless us and strengthen us in His service, that we may honour Him, show courtesy to all, protect the weak and serve Christ in the sick and the poor. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

08/02/2024

07/20/2024

07/20/2024

07/17/2024

‘This painting highlights the Eucharistic element of Our Lady of Champion by uniting the three apparitions to Adele Brise into a single image,’ says artist Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs.

07/15/2024