The Grand Hospitaller, Josef Blotz, participated in the Federal Association’s Annual investiture activities and celebrations over the past weekend in Washington DC. This was an opportunity to meet the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation during the reception hosted by Ambassador Michele and Mr. Jim Bowe. The event honored the visit of the Grand Hospitaller, and brought together local board members of the Foundation, Federal Association Officers and donors, providing an update on the Foundation’s recent work.
The Foundation exists since 1997 to support the inspirational work of the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, located just 1,500 steps from the birthplace of Christ. This Order of Malta Catholic teaching hospital is a state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal critical care center serving women, infants, and children throughout the Holy Land.
The Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for poor and at-risk families in the Bethlehem region, nearby desert villages and refugee camps.
Since his election earlier this year, the Grand Hospitaller has made three visits to the Holy Family Hospital, recognizing it as the Order’s Crown Jewel. At the event, he outlined achievements and the ongoing plans to ensure best practices and quality care for mothers and babies in Bethlehem.
Describing his visits to Palestine and Israel, he focused on both the past and present works of the Order in the region and emphasized the collaborative project with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which provides food, supplies, and healthcare in Gaza City. This project has been a lifeline for both the Christian community and its Muslim neighbors in the surrounding area.
Ambassador Bowe noted that, in recent years, to meet fundraising goals eight associations from around the world, including Australia, Malta, Britain, Hong Kong, Spain, and the Federal, Western, and American Associations, have united with the Foundation to bring life, peace, and hope under challenging economic and political conditions. Together, the Order of Malta members work just 1,500 steps from the birthplace of Christ to bring hope to the families of Bethlehem.
Since 2012, the Foundation has sent over $28,000,000 to the hospital for operations, equipment, construction, and special projects and has consistently increased its fundraising goals, enabling better care for the families of Bethlehem.
Ambassador Bowe assured guests that, once circumstances allow it, the Foundation will organize a pilgrimage of thanksgiving to return to the land where the Order was founded and to the very Birthplace of Hope. This pilgrimage will serve as an opportunity for members of the Order to pray and serve in community and most importantly to thank the staff of the hospital for their dedication and sacrifice in remaining in Bethlehem despite the current emigrations. They stay to serve and to continue the work among the voiceless and forgotten.
