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| Christopher, Francesca, Rosanna, Marie, Charles and Vincent distribute food to the homeless inside Union Square Park Photo by New York Scugnizzo |
By Cav. John Napoli
Tuesday evening my fellow Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and I had the great privilege of joining members of the Order of Malta Auxiliary for their monthly “Malta Walk.” Led by Francesca Tempesta, DM, volunteers gather every third Tuesday of the month (@ 7:30pm) at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral parish house (263 Mulberry Street) in lower Manhattan to prepare and distribute food to the homeless.
Warmly welcomed by Francesca and the Auxiliary, we were quickly put to work and started making sandwiches. Forming an assembly line around the table, workers diligently put together about fifty bags of ready-to-eat food (sandwiches, fruit, etc.) and toiletries (toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc.). When completed, we cleaned up and were each given several bags to hand out.
Before hitting the streets we recited the Daily Prayer of the Order of Malta:
Lord Jesus, thou hast seen fit to enlist me for thy service among the Knights and Dames of Saint John of Jerusalem. I humbly entreat thee through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin of Philermo, of Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Gerard and all the Saints and blessed of our Order, to keep me faithful to the traditions of our Order. Be it mine to practice and defend the Catholic, the Apostolic, the Roman faith against the enemies of religion; be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, especially the poor and sick. Give me the strength I need to carry out this my resolve, forgetful of myself, learning ever from the holy Gospel a spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion, striving ever to promote God’s glory, the world’s peace, and all that may benefit the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Amen.
Most of us made our way through the Bowery to Union Square Park, distributing the care packages along the way. Sadly, there was no shortage of needy people intermixed with the park’s many soapboxers, skaters and tourists enjoying the mild evening air. As one would expect, the recipients were grateful for the kind words and food. The need was so great, not a single bag was left over.
Anyone interested in supporting this noble endeavor can contact the Order of Malta Auxiliary at nycaux@orderofmaltaamerica.org or call 917-566-3937. For additional information, the Order can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/maltaauxiliarynyc.
Many thanks to Francesca, the Order of Malta Auxiliary and all the volunteers for your hard work and generosity. It was great meeting all of you and I look forward to working with you again. Special thanks to Monsignor Donald Sakano, Pastor of the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral and the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood, for your continued support and blessings.
