2016 Day of Formation
date:
3/24/2016
On March 11 and 12, over 65 candidates and their sponsors met for the 2016 Formation weekend at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, DC. The pastor there, Magistral Chaplain Msgr. James Watkins, welcomed them to his parish for two days of talks, prayer, meals and Mass.
The purpose is to introduce candidates to the many facets of the Order of Malta, and to launch their year of formation and preparations with a prayerful overview. The day started with talks on spirituality and the Year of Mercy followed by the Lourdes pilgrimage, and the role of Hospitallers.
In a particularly powerful series of talks, Craig Jarchow and Elizabeth Stoner offered their perspectives on the annual Lourdes pilgrimage, followed by Megan Bean, a Malade who experienced a miraculous healing while on pilgrimage with the Order. She told of healing in the cold waters of the Lourdes baths, and of her struggle in coming to grips with this miracle and with God's plan for her. It was a moving reminder of why we make the pilgrimage to Lourdes: to serve "our Lords, the sick," while in community with our Order from around the world.
Federal Association historian Henry Hull gave his famous synopsis of the Order’s 900-year history, which is always a popular talk. This time, the talk was done in an interview style with Andrea Roane Skehan, which made for a fascinating discussion.
The next day started with Mass, followed by a new enhancement to the format this year -- praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The Divine Office, which is the official prayer of the Church, has been prayed by the Order for centuries.
After lunch, round-table discussions were held concerning the financial obligations of members, the Lourdes pilgrimage, regional projects and retreats.
This year’s group of candidates, aided by their sponsors, is striving to make it to Investiture in 2018.
Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta
Federal Association, U.S.A.
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