Even as we enter into this year's "hurricane season", the three American Associations of the Order of Malta are helping New Orleans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Please see the report by Joseph Dempsey on the work in progress. Many members of our Western Association have already pitched in: John & Georgeann Fannon, Andrew Madden, Jay Hurley, Don Larsen, Tricia Lasman, Zee Marzec, Bryan Morehouse, Bill Regan, Peter Johnson, Ralph & Oonagh Linzmeyer (and 4 children), Mack & Jeanne Miller, George Delucchi, and Dick Hunsaker. But more volunteers are needed, beginning in September!

The three US Associations of the Order, Malteser International, and Rebuilding Together have joined forces in an effort to repair 30-40 homes in New Orleans damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Working closely with Catholic Charities of New Orleans and two inner-city parishes, Order of Malta volunteers are working with skilled laborers provided by Rebuilding Together one week per month.

 Volunteer Now! Click here for details.

The bulk of the funding for this project (almost $1.5 million) has come from contributions from members of the Order in the United States. There have also been significant contributions made by Malteser International and Banamex (Bank of Mexico). The project is being administered by the Federal Association office, and the volunteer coordinator is a member of the Federal Association who now works for Malteser.

Three teams of Order of Malta volunteers have already worked a week inNew Orleans. Thirty-seven volunteered for the first work session in March, twenty-five volunteered in April, and thirty-nine Knights, Dames, family members and others volunteered the last week in May. As a result, six families in St. Leo the Great Parish in Gentilly have had their badly damaged homes repaired. And their lives are a lot closer to normal.

Volunteers arrive in New Orleans from all over the country on Sunday afternoon, and make their way to The New Orleans Marriott in the French Quarter. There is an informal reception and orientation meeting on Sunday evening, and the work (light carpentry, painting, installing drywall and insulation, gardening, and lots of hauling) goes from Monday morning thru Thursday afternoon. The Marriott provides a simple breakfast and box lunch every day, and a hearty dinner each night at the hotel. There is a farewell banquet on Thursday evening, and everyone checks out and heads home on Friday morning.

The homeowner is usually around during the day, and it is wonderful to meet and work with the people who have suffered so much and are now so hopeful and excited about moving back into their home. By the end of the week every volunteer is tired, has lots of new friends from around the country, and feels a great sense of pride about what their group has accomplished.

Volunteers are needed on the six remaining sessions (see below). If you are interested, please go to Volunteers Needed - Announcement for more information and a sign-up sheet.

 Volunteer Now! Click here for details.

Work Sessions Remaining -

• September 24 - 29, 2006
• October 22 - 27, 2006
• December 3 - 8, 2006
• January 21 - 26, 2007
• February 11 - 16, 2007
• April 1 - 6, 2007

 Volunteer Now! Click here for details.

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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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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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