On February 22, 2006, the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, His Holiness Benedict XVI announced the appointment of 12 new Cardinals. In his announcement of the selections Pope Benedict said that these men have the duty to help and support Peter's Successor in carrying out the apostolic task entrusted to him in service to the Church. He went on to say that he relies on them to assist him to present to the world a permanent and visible source and foundation of unity of faith and communion.

First named, and, therefore, spokesman for the group was the former Conventual Chaplain of our Association, Archbishop William Levada. Thanks to Reverend Stephen Lopes, one of our chaplains, Lucille and Tony Sanchez-Corea were privileged to attend the Audience and hear the announcement. Later on the same day the Cardinal-elect celebrated Mass at the North American College Residence for Priests, the Casa Santa Maria, where he was joined by another chaplain of our Association, Monsignor Steven Otellini, and his family. At a dinner following the Mass the newly named Cardinal was presented with his Red Birretta on the traditional silver platter.

The Consistory will be held on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 24 followed on March 25 with the Mass of the Rings. Celebrations are planned during the "Laetare" Sunday weekend to mark our joy and thanksgiving for Cardinal Levada's appointment. Those of us who know him are most grateful to the Holy Spirit for Cardinal Levada's inspiration and to His Holiness for his appreciation of Cardinal Levada's talent.

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Every evening the news carries stories of catastrophes and tragedies throughtout the world. It is easy for us to become numb, but this appeal reminds us of help needed to deal with the tragic effects of Hurricane Katrina. Here is an opportunity for direct, hands-on assistance:

PLEASE PITCH IN IF YOU ARE ABLE, AND SPREAD THE WORD!

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For the past nine years, the Little Sisters of the Poor have warmly opened their home to the members of the Order of Malta and our malade guests for Lourdes Day. The day began in the misty fog as our malade guests began arriving as early as 8am, eager for loving, spiritual encounters they have come to expect with the Order of Malta. Among our guests were eighty residents of St. Anne’s Home, a bus load from Laguna Honda Home in San Francisco, several residents from Mercy Care in Oakland, over a dozen guests from the Holy Name Parish Nurse Program, almost 20 malades from past Lourdes Pilgrimages and many malades who could not travel with us to Lourdes.

The Western Association was fortunate to have 12 energetic Auxiliary members provide early refreshments to our guests and bring their youthful exuberance and kind attention to the malades throughout out the day. Team Captains, Jeff Dito KM, Julie Munro DM, Bill Regan KM, Bill Terheyden KM, Tony Sanchez-Corea III KM, and Kevin White KM ensured that everyone was welcomed and gently cared for throughout the day.

Dressed in work uniforms, 85 Knights, Dames and Volunteers escorted our guests in the Rosary Procession to the Grotto and accompanied them at Mass and the Anointing of the Sick. Raising flags and team banners high, everyone processed around the building and up the hill to the Grotto at the rear of St. Anne’s Home. So closely does this Grotto resemble Lourdes that when you hear the familiar hymns sung with such devotion, you feel transported to France. It is this beautiful environment that helps us replicate our experiences in Lourdes and draws us and our dear malades ever closer to Our Lady’s loving presence.

The Rosary was lovingly recited by Mary McInerney,DM, Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Steven Otellini and other Chaplains of the Order, and several other priests. Afterward, everyone enjoyed reunions and good cheer at lunch time over delicious Draeger’s box lunches!

The participation in Lourdes Day helps us stay connected to our confrere worldwide through our committed service to our Lord’s the sick and the poor.

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