Military Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem
Military Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem
Article and photographs by Fr Robert Cross
Perth recently hosted the national Chapter meeting of the Order of St Lazarus. It began on 8 April and concluded with a Mass on 10 April at St Mary’s Cathedral presided by Bishop Sproxton who is a chaplain to the order.
Members of St Lazarus are lay and include members of other Christian denominations. Its focus as a group is to provide support through its fund raising initiatives for various charitable foundations.
In Western Australia they have supported St Bart’s home in East Perth; Linda’s House; Passages and the Sister’s Place in Fremantle.
The ecumenical dimension was highlighted this year with a ceremony on each day of the chapter hosted by a particular group. A vigil ceremony of prayer for members entering the St Lazarus Order was held at St John’s Lutheran Church. The investiture of the new members took place at St George’s Anglican Cathedral, while our own St Mary’s Cathedral hosted the concluding Mass.
The Order traces its roots to the early Middle Ages in the eleventh century. Many chivalric orders of knights abounded during that time. Lepers were cared for in the Order’s hospital in the Holy Land, hence the patronal title of St Lazarus. Knights who contracted leprosy were also cared for in the same hospital. The order of St Lazarus came under the protection of the King of France in the fourteenth century and continued uninterrupted through the French Revolution. The Order was created in Australia in the early 1980’s and carries on the tradition of providing for charitable projects. Membership is open to men and women.
If you are interested in finding out more information about the work of the Military Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, how you can help or interested in becoming a member refer to their website at the following link. http://www.st-lazarus.org.au
Bishop Sproxton surrounded by the Knights and Dames of the Order The chapter concluded with a Mass at St Mary's Cathedral.
of St Lazarus.