On Saturday, June 5, 2004 at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, Andrew Rupert Johnson KM became the first conferee in the history of the Western Association to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders and be ordained a priest. After study at St. Patrick's Seminary, and following a year in pastoral work as a transitional Deacon of the Church, Father Andrew took his vows before Archbishop William Levada as many friends and loved ones of the Western Association joined in the moving sacramental service. Father Andrew is now Parochial Vicar at St. Brendan parish San Francisco (where he is in residence) and is Chaplain at Laguna Honda Hospital.

Following work as an attorney back East, a successful career on Wall Street and in the investment business, and after living a full family life with 6 grown children (son Cyrus Johnson KM is also a member of the Order), 74-year-old Father Andrew responded to the Lord's call with the characteristic vigor with which he has always approached his work for the Order.

Father Andrew was invested a member of the Order of Malta in 1991, and has since made 11 pilgrimages to Lourdes, France with the Western Association. He credits the pilgrimages with greatly influencing his vocation, especially his work with the sick. Father Andrew Johnson has offered himself as a chaplain of the Western Association.

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The Reverend Monsignor Thomas S. Merson died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 59 on May 4, 2004 in San Francisco. A Magistral Chaplain of the Order of Malta, Monsignor Tom was Secretary and Master of Ceremonies for both Archbishop John R. Quinn and Archbishop William J. Levada of San Francisco. He took on the task of Master of Ceremonies for all of the Order’s investitures in San Francisco and also accompanied our pilgrimage to Lourdes twice. The following is the letter was written by Leonard Rubio, a prisoner at San Quentin, and read at Monsignor Tom’s funeral.

“Many of you may not know that Monsignor Merson held a special place in his heart for the men of San Quentin. In his office, he kept a picture of some of us whom have had the pleasure of serving at Our Lord's Table with Monsignor. And as all know, Monsignor Merson will be missed by everyone who knows him. He was a true friend and brother, a shining example of Christ's love. He always took the time to share his love of Christ and his joy for life with the men here at San Quentin.

We had the pleasure of him celebrating the Jubilee Mass for Prisoners with us in 2000, as well as many visits throughout the years with Archbishop Levada, Archbishop Quinn, and Tom's occasional surprise visits. He always brought with him a spirit of courage and hope to the men behind these lonely prison walls. Even reminding us of how the Lord came to save and love us!

He wrote a few of us on a regular basis, sharing himself and sharing his friendship. His letters reminded us that we were in his prayers at Daily Mass. Just recently he reminded us that he held us in extra prayer as he had many occasions to drive 101 and would intentionally look towards San Quentin to say a prayer for his friends. He also reminded us that he wanted to be here more often, unfortunately his busy schedule kept him away from physically being with us.

Even though he wasn't here as often as he wished, he always shared his zest for life by writing and telling about Dunster's antics, Tom's walks along the Mendocino Coast, or his special prayers for us on his trips to Rome, France and the Holy Land.

He often spoke of the future to instill hope for us. For myself, there were talks of going to Mendocino, of helping MC services at the Cathedral and of some day presiding at my wedding if the Lord so blesses him. Tom will be remembered for always being there to lift us up.

We pray Tom's love be remembered by all. He truly fulfilled Christ's words for us, "For I was…a stranger and you welcomed me,…in prison and you visited me." We know that Monsignor Merson is with Christ who called to him, "Come, you who are blessed by my father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you (for)…whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."

Tom's spirit, friendship and letters will be missed in this world by many individuals. But, as we here in San Quentin hold Tom in our prayers, our thoughts and our memories, we are grateful to know that he is still holding us in prayer each day, as he lives out eternity in God's glorious kingdom.”

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On a bright sunny Memorial Day in San Francisco, flags waved as the residents of St. Anne's Home celebrated the holiday with over 100 members of the Western Association of the Order of Malta. Once again, the Little Sisters of the Poor welcomed members of the Western Association Order of Malta into their home and kitchen so that we could serve the elderly. Many thanks to Mother Patricia for most graciously allowing us the opportunity to do so and Sister Michael Theresa for working with us to produce such a splendid event.

Fifteen eager volunteers appeared early Sunday morning to prepare and marinate chicken, stuff salmon, boil potatoes, chop onions and generally prepare for the following day! At 7am on Monday morning the coals were lit and the barbecue commenced! A plethora of chicken, ribs, hot dogs and salmon were continuously rotated under the watchful eyes of several expert barbecuer's. Before the festivities could begin on Monday, a bustling group of volunteers assembled festive red, white and blue centerpieces and laid the tables.

The residents of St. Anne's Home beamed as they descended into the auditorium after Mass to enjoy cocktails and a sumptuous barbecue picnic prepared and served by industrious members of the Order. An assortment of salads accompanied the barbecue meats and, as a finalé, ice cream cones were scooped and cookies passed around as everyone enjoyed the day together.

All were entertained by a roving clown who designed fabulous balloon hats and other mementos for the residents. Much warmth spread throughout the room and many special moments were shared. We extend a warm thank you to all of the many volunteers who made this day special.

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Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, dawned a glorious spring-like day with temperatures in Seattle rising into the 60's. Twelve years ago, Pope John Paul II invited the world to especially honor what our Order of Malta terms "Our Lords the Sick" on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, thereafter also to be celebrated as the World Day of the Sick.

About fifteen members and friends of our Order of Malta - Seattle Chapter partnered with about fifteen Sisters of Providence to jointly celebrate this year's World Day of the Sick. Arriving at beautiful Providence/Mount St. Vincent's high on the hill in West Seattle, you could see the entire Cascade Mountain Range from Mt. Baker to Mt. Rainier. It was the kind of day to make you feel very good, with a fresh and hope-filled spring in your step. The crocuses and primroses greeted us in the sunshine. Truly this day would bring the gift of healing.

About sixty-five Mount St. Vincent's residents and other ill visitors also attended our specially scheduled, late-morning Mass for the Sick celebrated in Mount St. Vincent's beautiful Chapel by Fr. Richard Quinn CSsR, Chaplain of our Chapter. Following the specially printed Order of the Mass, both the members of our Order and of the Sisters of Providence jointly participated in the Mass and in assisting Our Lords the Sick.

You could almost feel His Grace in the Mass as all once again reached out to touch the tassel of His Cloak. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen of the Sick, and His mother was clearly there to ask to have our jars filled once again with the "good wine". Fr. Quinn's thoughtful homily, his Blessing of each of the Sick with Holy Water brought for this event from Lourdes, and his Anointing of the each of the Sick with the Church's Holy Oil, were healing and holy moments for us all.

A lovely, delicious and fun-filled reception for Sisters, Knights, Dames and Our Lords the Sick followed in Mount St. Vincent's beautiful sun-filled lounge. Malades from our 2003 Order of Malta pilgrimage to Lourdes got to meet and share their Lourdes memories with prospective malades looking forward to going to Lourdes on pilgrimage with us this year. Together we all had time to share the joy of both this beautiful Mass and this beautiful World Day of the Sick with one another.

This was the first time our Order of Malta Chapter has partnered with the Sisters of Providence. The Sisters could not have been more gracious and welcoming. We are already making plans to celebrate together next year our Seattle World Day of the Sick on this healing feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

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The Orange County Chapter of the Order was selected to be one of two areas in the Western Association to introduce a pilot project called "The Parish Nurse Program." The goal of this new program is to improve the physical and spiritual lives of the underserved elderly in a specific parish through the services of a registered nurse, employed by the Order of Malta. The nurse's duties include in-home health screening of the elderly as well as providing spiritual comfort as a Eucharistic minister.
Following months of selection interviews by our committee with the pastors within the Diocese of Orange in search of the ideal parish location for this project, Saint Norbert Church of Orange, with its 3,800 families, was chose. Once the parish was identified, the selection process for a nurse best qualified to administer the program was conducted. Ann Bilash, RN, was chosen among the many applicants for the position.

The success of this new program is dependant not only on the quality of the nurse but equally on the level of participation by Knights and Dames of the Orange County Chapter, as working volunteers. Under this program, the volunteers of the chapter have the opportunity to serve the parish elderly by assisting our nurse with her in-home and extended care facility visits, as well as conducting periodic health fair meetings and luncheons.

The Order of Malta Parish Nurse Program of Orange County was launched at a Mass at Saint Norbert church of Orange on January 3, 2004. The Mass was concelebrated by the pastor, the Reverend Monsignor John Urell and the Chaplain of our chapter, the Right Reverend Abbot Eugene Hayes, OPræm. Thirty-four knights, dames, and volunteers processed in robes to the front pews. Following his homily, Monsignor Urell "proudly and gratefully" announced the selection of St Norbert's parish for this wonderful pilot project by the Order of Malta. He then introduced Dr Richard Van Meter, KM, who gave a masterful history of the Order as well as the objectives of the Parish Nurse Program. Richard then introduced our new nurse, Ann Bilash, RN, who gave an overview of her role, and that of the volunteers of the Order, of our plans to provide services to the underserved elderly of the parish. Her presentation was greeted with applause by those in attendance.

Following Mass, fliers describing our Order and the services available to the parish elderly were distributed by knights and dames at all exits from the church. At the request of the pastor, our thirty-four volunteers adjourned to the parish rectory for a reception. Hors d'œuvres and wine were served (see photo of event). Working aprons and shirts, with official shield of the Order were distributed to each of the volunteers, who have committed to serve with our parish nurse.

Our first scheduled health fair luncheon meeting for the elderly on February 19th, in the parish hall was a great success. The Valentine theme was, "Healthy Hearts Health Fair." Dr Van Meter made a presentation on the effects that hypertension, stress, die, and exercise have on the health of the heart. Brochures were distributed from the Heart Association and blood pressure readings were offered to all attendees. The Order of Malta maintained a high profile at this and all subsequent health fair sessions.

Enthusiasm remains high among our Order's participants s well as among those whom we have begun to serve. Since January 13 we have performed 13 Parish Home Visits with the help of 34 Knights and Dames. It is hoped that this pilot project in Orange will serve as a successful role model for future expansion within the Order.

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December 12 was the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The children of St. Peter's School in San Francisco processed around their school block in the Mission district saying the Rosary.
The Order of Malta, through the Growing the Faith program, provided the blue rosaries for all of the students and faculty of St. Peter's. The group was also invited to participate in this holy event.

Bob Stein and Tom Greerty walked with the children in a drizzling rain but every face was smiling. The small voices sang the Ava Maria between the decades of the Rosary. The procession ended at St. Peter's Church where the parish family brought in over 2,000 roses to be placed in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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In October, the Western Association celebrated our Fiftieth Jubilee in a grand style with a Gala, held at the Pacific Union Club in San Francisco, a best-ever attended Lourdes Day, a family picnic and the inauguration of our Northern California Parish Nurse Program at the Feast of Blessed Gerard's Mass and Luncheon at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in San Francisco. In addition, an Asian Art Museum Tour and Dinner for our guests was arranged by Mr.& Mrs. Robert Morey as a special even for our Grand Master who is not only an Asian art enthusiast, but an expert in the art and history of the Ancient Eastern Civilizations.

For most of these events our Grand Master, His Most Eminent Highness Fra Andrew Bertie, members of the Sovereign Council and Fra Elie des Comminges were with us.

The activities allowed us to celebrate our past, actively participate in our present Hospitaller works, and look to the future in confraternity and prayer.

Our Grand Master gave us kindly words of encouragement and leadership so important to us as we move into this millennium.

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As a gesture honoring the work of the Western Association over the past fifty years, 240 wheelchairs were purchased by the Jubilee Founders Committee in partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation to be donated to the needy in our area. The Wheelchair Foundation is a non profit organization that donates wheelchairs to the most needy throughout the world. Tony Sanchez-Corea Sr. conceived the idea after learning about the good work of the Wheelchair Foundation on several continents. A small committee of Knights and Dames arranged with the Little Sisters of the Poor in San Francisco to borrow their three car garage to be used as a warehouse for distributing the wheelchairs. Committee members then contacted various organizations and arranged for pick up of the wheelchair gifts. Special thanks to Father Jack Kavanaugh and Julie Munro who were instrumental in this process.

On Saturday, September 20, 2003, a massive cargo container filled with our wheelchairs arrived at St. Anne's Home in San Francisco and was unloaded by a great crew of enthusiastic, hearty volunteers. Later that morning, preassembled wheelchairs were loaded into the waiting vans, trucks and cars of the grateful recipients: Sister of Mercy's Marian Care in Burlingame; Alma Via, Daly City; Presentation Sisters, San Francisco; Mercy Care, Oakland; St. Anne's Home, San Francisco; Jesuit Retirement community, Los Gatos; Sacred Heart Retirement community, Atherton; Laguna Honda Home, San Francisco; Marin Independent Living, Sausalito; West Marin Senior Services, Mill Valley; Whistle Stop Wheels, Mill Valley; Dominican Sisters, San Rafael; St. Vincent De Paul, Phoenix; and Missions of Mercy, Phoenix. Wheelchairs in both Los Angeles and Sacramento will be used to establish a wheelchair exchange for those most needy in these areas.

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