The Order of St. Lazarus Squire 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.