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The Order of St. Lazarus Squire Program. Atavis et Armis “For Arms and Ancestors”. The Leper Knights. The Order was founded in the 12 th Century as a crusading Order of Hospitaller Knights.
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The Order of St. LazarusSquire Program Atavis et Armis “For Arms and Ancestors”
The Leper Knights • The Order was founded in the 12th Century as a crusading Order of Hospitaller Knights. • The Knights original function was to operate hospitals in the Holy Land which treated the disease of leprosy. • The Order fought in the Crusades but declined swiftly as a military order. • In 1604 the Order was placed under the protection of the French Royal House and has been under the protection of French Royalty ever since. • The modern Order is under the protection of the Count of Paris and under the spiritual patronage of the Primate Emeritus of Hungary. • The primary function of the Order today is to serve as a charitable organization for several good causes, such as: Safe Haven for Newborns – which exists to rescue babies in danger of abandonment.
The Grand Bailiwick of the U.S.A. • The goal of the Grand Bailiwick is to support the Order at large by fund raising for charitable activities, and also to grow spiritually through prayer and fellowship. • Both, the care of the poor and growth in a personal relationship with Christ were and are the aims of Christian knighthood. During the Middles ages, knights were invested with a mantle, which they would wear into battle. The Mantle served as a reminder to the knight of the Cross, which was his motivation for service and battle. “He who would follow after me must take up his cross daily.” Luke 9:23
St. Lazarus Squire Program • The St. Lazarus Volunteer Corps was founded in the U.S. in 2011 under the command of Robert Klesko, S.B.L.J.. • - The goal of the Squire Program is to continue the mission of the Order by service to the community at large. • -The Squires also serves as a means to educate young people on the principles of Christian chivalry and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth by participation in prayer and the sacraments. • - We are looking for young men to fill our ranks and to volunteer some of their time and talent to the service of those in need.
What will we do? • First and foremost, everything a knight does begins with prayer. In volunteering, you are also saying “yes” to the Lord by devoting some time in prayer and participation in the sacraments. • Service Projects – we will be participating in a number of service projects during the semester and over the summer, everything from cleaning up a Church, serving at a soup kitchen, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, etc. • Really the variety of ways to serve is endless! • And we will be fulfilling Christ’s command, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-36).
Are you ready to serve? • There are so many benefits to committing to serve as a St. Lazarus volunteer. • Grow in Christian fellowship with your fellow volunteers and those whom you serve. • Spend valuable time in prayer and participation in the sacraments. • Expand your awareness of the needs of others. • Serve Christ by serving others.