Knights and dames in the Order of Malta, a centuries-old order founded in 1100s-Jerusalem, renewed their commitment to care for the poor and sick in Columbus late last month.
A Mass for the order was celebrated on the Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 23, at Columbus St. John the Baptist Church.
Father Vince Nguyen, pastor at Columbus Sacred Heart and St. John the Baptist churches, celebrated the Vigil Mass on the order’s feast day in the church bearing St. John the Baptist’s name.
The saint is the patron and spiritual namesake of the knights. The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta originated at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Jerusalem, where members provided medical care to pilgrims.
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Knights and dames today continue the mission that began in the 11th century.
“It is a privilege to serve as a regional hospitaller (coordinator) with the Order of Malta with my husband, Brian,” Teresa Kenney said.
As hospitallers, the couple is responsible for the organization of membership-related events in the order’s Columbus region.
“Our mission is beautifully simple: to see Christ in those who are sick, suffering, poor or lonely—and to serve them with compassion, dignity and love. To accompany someone in need reminds me that we receive far more than we give,” she added.
“Renewing my commitment is a joyful reminder that this vocation is not just about serving others—it’s about allowing God to transform our own hearts through that service.”
Virtues of humility and service remain central to the Order of Malta’s ministry. Knights and dames facilitate medical, social and humanitarian projects worldwide.
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The Order of Malta’s Columbus region operates a clinic at the former Columbus Holy Rosary-St. John Church, located on Ohio Avenue. The clinic serves the city’s poor and sick with medical and dental care.
The Federal Association of the Order of Malta sponsors an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta association is based in Rome. The federal association is located in Washington.
Nearly 15 members of the federal association are part of the Columbus region.
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