It is well known that the Order of Malta’s charge, from the very beginning, has been two-fold: Tuition Fidei et Obsequeum Pauperum —to defend the faith and serve the poor and the sick.

The Order’s service to the poor and the sick is well-known worldwide, and the Federal Association’s grants and hospitaller programs involve hundreds of volunteers, serve thousands of people, and provide millions of dollars worth of food, medicines, and supplies every year. This is the very public face of the Order to so many in need.

The other part of the two-fold charism—defending the faith—does not receive the same degree of exposure as the outward service works of the Order, but is no less important. Started in 2003, the Federal Association’s Defense of the Faith Committee has been supporting programs that help sustain the Catholic faith in the public arena and has initiated educational programs designed to better inform and, perhaps, fortify the personal faith of the members of the Order and their families.

In ongoing efforts to carry out the mandate to Defend the Faith, the Committee awards several grants each year to agencies nationwide. Below are some examples of the programs that received financial assistance from the Federal Association in 2008:

The Catholic Café: This was a request for $10,000 from the group in Memphis to support a thirty-minute radio program initiated by members of the Federal Association. The program addresses a doctrinal topic of the Church in each weekly segment. A related website is highlighted during each program where interested listeners may call or email questions to initiate dialogue. Approved $10,000

Dismas Ministry: This was a request for $25,000 to support outreach to inmates in U.S. prisons to bring them free resources to minister and attend to them spiritually while they are incarcerated. Approved $10,000

Centro Tepeyac Silver Spring Women’s Center: This was a request for $10,000 to support the work of the Center which assists women and men in the greater DC area in dealing with pregnancy related crises. It primarily serves Hispanic women and offers free pregnancy testing, alternatives to abortion, prenatal and parenting classes and other assistance: Approved $10,000

In addition to providing financial support to programs like these, the Federal Association has organized and sponsored educational programs for Knights, Dames, and candidates.

Working in partnership with the Catholic Distance University, there have been three on-line seminars for our members—each taught by a professor at CDU. Topics have included “The Catholic Position on Stem-Cell Research,” “Immigration Policies in the U.S.,” and “A Real-Time Review of Christian and Muslim Relations.”

On October 17, the Federal Association held its inaugural Defense of the Faith Forum in Washington, DC. The principal speaker was Thomas Hibbs, Ph.D., Dean of the Honors College at Baylor University. The topic was Dark Knights and Hopeful Quests: Catholic Paths in Contemporary American Culture.

The Defense of the Faith series will be continued, and the slate of speakers for 2009 tentatively includes:

Archbishop Wuerl "The Role of Knights as Defenders of the Faith and the Importance of Catechesis in Fulfilling this Role."
Professor Robert George , Princeton "The Role of Catholics in Public Life."
Fr. Tadeuz Pacholcyzk , National Catholic Bioethics Center "The Moral Issues Raised by Stem Cell Research."

Topics subject to change

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.

1 Peter 3:15

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