Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem

St Lazarus Conference

Very Reverend Alfred Baca, Deputy Chaplain General, will attend the annual gathering of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, Western Lieutenancy from September 10 – 15, 2026.

The Order was founded circa 1130 AD in response to crusader knights who had contracted leprosy while fighting to protect the holy places of the Holy Land. After the Second Ecumenical Council, the Order chose to become ecumenical. All members who are not Catholic must hold to the classical understanding of the Blessed Trinity. Members work and pray for the unity of the Christian family.

The Order is founded on three pillars: spirituality and witnessing unity among ecumenical members, charity and assistance to the poor and the sick especially those suffering from Hansen’s Disease, and tradition and the personal growth in chivalry.

The purpose of the annual meeting is to bring together all members, build stronger bonds between ecumenical members, allocating monies for various charities, educating members on different Christian customs and beliefs, and investing new members.

Southern California members are quickly growing and are now a cadre under the care of Sir Anthony Vultaggio. For more information on the Order of St Lazarus, Western Lieutenancy, please visit:

St Lazarus Advent gathering at California Club in Los Angeles

Members of the Order Western Lieutenancy met for Advent Vespers and Dinner at the Valley Hunt Club, Pasadena, on December 20, 2025. Members gathered for prayer and dinner to welcome in Holy Christmas. Vespers was held at St Andrew’s Catholic Church in Pasadena. Advent gathering served also to be an opportunity for perspective members to join the evening and receive more information on the life and service of the Order.

St Lazarus Lent gathering at Christ Cathedral in Orange County

Members of the Order Western Lieutenancy met for a Lenten day of Prayer at Christ Cathedral on March 7, 2026. Very Rev. Al Baca gave a presentation on Archbishop Fulton Sheen and his significance to the Order. Members were given a tour of the campus, celebrated Holy Mass in the new St Callistus Chapel and took the Shroud of Turin Experience. Perspective members were also invited.