Pope Francis invites Knights of Malta to adore, serve, and walk with open hands

In his address to members of Archconfraternity of the Saints of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist of the Knights of Malta of Catanzaro in the Vatican on January 3, 2005, the pope enjoined the delegation to adore the Eucharist, serve neighbors, and walk “in the history of your city.”

“First of all, to adore,” Pope Francis said. “Your Confraternity gathers before the Blessed Sacrament. Especially in this Holy year, I invite you to make every effort to cultivate prayer, personal and community prayer. Let this be your strength, the strength that will constantly renew your ancient brotherhood.”

The pope noted that fraternity is preserved by fervor and thrives on the grace of God, allowing the Church to bear fruits and inspire joy.

“The second action is to serve,” he said. “When you take care of the poor, every time you visit the sick, while you are in the company of those who suffer, you serve the Lord (cf. Mt 25:40). There is a very close link between adoration and service, which we must never forget. Christ came into the world to serve (cf. Mk 10:45): you too, like branches joined to the Vine, extend His charity whenever you are close to the small and needy with compassion and tenderness.”

Pope Francis reminded the knights to not lose sight of compassion for the poor, and that closeness, compassion, and tenderness are evidence of the presence of God.

“And the third verb is to walk,” he continued “and it reminds us that Jesus, the Way, calls us to follow Him with perseverance, keeping the flame of faith alight during the earthly pilgrimage. In this regard, I address special thanks to you, as Bishop of Rome: indeed, your Confraternity offers the Pasqual candle to the Lateran Basilica every year, together with an offering for the Pope’s charity.”

The pope also acknowledged the knight's devotion to Mary, who is venerated by their confraternity as Hodegetria, which means "she who shows the way." 

He also reminded that Mary leads the faithful to Jesus: Way, the Truth, and the Life.

“Dear sisters and dear brothers, I urge you to continue with hope on the path of generosity, along which the Lord will always accompany you,” Pope Francis said. “I bless you and your families from my heart.”