Sovereign Military Order of Malta - Ohio Area

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.

04/16/2025

Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic graciously invited the Cleveland Area of the Order of Malta to join the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and other lay Orders at the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on April 15, 2025. During this beautiful and powerful Mass, the Bishop blessed and consecrated the three holy oils to be used throughout the year in various sacraments. Serving as a powerful reminder of the shared mission and faith within the Church community, the Chrism Mass also included the renewal of priestly vows, where hundreds of priests reaffirmed their commitment to their ministry and unity with the Bishop.

04/04/2025

Cleveland Members Attend 41st Annual Bishop’s Seminary Brunch

This year, the Cleveland Area sponsored a table at the Amadeus level of sponsorship.

03/30/2025

The 41 st Annual Bishop’s Seminary Brunch was held at Landerhaven Event Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. This annual event is the largest fundraising event for the seminary in Cleveland. Borromeo Seminary is a house of formation serving the Diocese of Cleveland, Diocese of Youngstown, and the Capuchin Franciscan Province of Saint Augustine. St. Mary’s Seminary, located on the same campus as Borromeo, prepares men for the Roman Catholic priesthood in the Diocese of Cleveland and serves as a center for advanced theological education for ministerial service. This year, the Cleveland area of the Order of Malta sponsored a table at the Amadeus level of sponsorship. In attendance, were Dr. Robert Hostoffer, KM and his spouse, Karen Hostoffer, DM; Brian McDonough, YOF and his spouse, Elizabeth McDonough; Arthus De Vergeron, an associate member from France who is currently studying at JCU and Kimberley Porter who is applying to the class of 2026. We had the pleasure of hosting two seminarians at our table as well who were excited to share their vocation stories with us along with how their time at the seminary has helped to form them into young men willing to serve God and our Church.