Sovereign Military Order of Malta - Ohio Area

11/18/2025

The American Association of the Order of Malta held its annual Investiture in New York, NY on Friday, November 14, 2025. The Cleveland Area was thrilled to welcome four new Knights of Malta and one new Dame. Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Principal Chaplain, accepted the vows of 110 new members at the Solemn Mass of Investiture, held at St. Patrick's Cathedral. The ceremony was followed by a White Tie dinner at which Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and President of the Governorate of Vatican City State was the featured speaker.

11/07/2025

Feast of All Souls: Cleveland Area Gathers in Prayer and Celebration

Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Philip Bernier, OFM Cap, at St. Peter's Historic Church in Cleveland

10/20/2025

Members of the Cleveland Area were delighted to be invited by Bishop Edward Malesic to participate in the White Mass on October 17th, at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, Ohio. After Mass, attendees enjoyed dinner and a profoundly moving speaker, Dr Kathleen Lutter, titled, "Surviving the Secular Culture as a Catholic OB/Gyn."

10/03/2025

The Ohio – Cleveland Area held its Annual Day of Recollection on Saturday, September 27th at St. Sebastian’s Church in Akron, OH. After time for prayer, contemplation and Reconciliation, members enjoyed assembling bags for the Malta Walks ministry. The day concluded with Holy Mass, celebrated by John Valencheck, ChM.

After time for prayer, contemplation and Reconciliation, members enjoyed assembling bags for the Malta Walks ministry.

09/26/2025

Dr. Nicolle McGowan, Chair of the Order of Malta, Cleveland Area, will address the First Friday Club of Cleveland luncheon on October 2, 2025, on the history behind the Knights Hospitaller:

08/20/2025

Members from the Cleveland Area attended the Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Champion this past week. Attendees included (L-R) Dr. Jim and Wendy Ohliger, and Dr. Robert and Karen Hostoffer. Jim and Wendy will be invested into the Order this November. They commented that this Pilgrimage really cemented their decision to join the Order of Malta, as everyone they met was warm, welcoming and nice. The spirituality that was ever present, especially during the Masses, but also in the various talks from our Chaplains, was a gift to all. The pilgrims left on Sunday morning feeling renewed and ready to serve!

07/21/2025

The Cleveland Area of the Order of Malta was delighted to participate in the second of three Jubilee Pilgrimages being held in Cleveland this summer. Lead by Rev. Fr. Damian Ference, Members attended Mass, and then prayed the Rosary as they processed from St. John Bosco Church to the Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine. Pilgrims were then invited to enjoy food trucks, ice cream, and live music at the Incarnate Word Academy. In attendance were (L-R): Niki McGowan, DM; Karen Hostoffer, DM; Wendy Ohliger, DM; Fr. Damian Ference; Jim Ohliger, KM; Brian McDonough, KM; Basil Damukaitis, KM

07/03/2025

The Order of Malta, Cleveland area, celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi by participating in the 9 AM Mass and Eucharistic Procession at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church in Akron, OH. The celebrant, Rev. Fr. John Valenchek, is the chaplain of our Cleveland area of Malta. We hope you enjoy this beautiful video that the team at St. Sebastian's put together.

He’s really here.This video captures one of the most beautiful Masses I’ve ever experienced Corpus Christi, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.It’s h...

06/25/2025

The Chaplain of the Cleveland Area, Rev. Fr. John Valencheck, cordially invited members to participate in the Corpus Christi Procession at St Sebastian’s Parish in Akron, Ohio on Sunday, June 22nd. In attendance were Robert Hostoffer, KM; Michael Kelley, KM; Fr John Valencheck, ChM; Thom McGowan, KM; Greg Zenczack, KM; Karen Hostoffer, DM; Niki McGowan, DM; Mary Zenczack, DM; Brian McDonough, YOF; and Michael Bontempo, Aux.

06/04/2025

Members of the Cleveland Area came together with Members-in-Formation and prospective Members to assemble bags of necessities for those experiencing homelessness. Working side by side, they filled each bag with essential items such as toiletries, snacks, socks, and water, aiming to provide both comfort and dignity to individuals in need. Br Alex Hostoffer OFM Cap was on hand to pray over the completed bags, which will be distributed to various organizations throughout the city. Malta Walks are expected to begin in late summer!

05/16/2025

Six Members of Cleveland Area Join Lourdes Pilgrimage

Members were excited to be a part of this year's pilgrimage.