In Short Order -- Dr. Charles McWilliams

Theme for this show: monastic medicine - evolution/revolution

Nearly one thousand years of history makes the original religious Order of St. Lazarus, one of the oldest medical, charitable organization in the world today. Our symbol, the Maltese Cross, became known as the Hospitallers because of their medical care of the sick and poor. These knights of centuries past were united by a pledge of compassion and courage. The Knights of Lazarus, as a medical Order, in the early days were bound by the monastic vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. They were expected to observe the eight obligations represented by the symbol of the eight-pointed green cross. The eight-pointed cross became the emblem of the Order and it is now known as the Maltese cross.

There were several common themes found in these lists of knightly virtues. By combining these, we have created what we consider to be the eight knightly virtues of the modern code of chivalry: Truth, Courage, Justice, Mercy, Generosity, Faith, Nobility, Hope. Today, Saint Lazarus is a chivalrous and philanthropic organization, registered with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization having more than 14,000 members.

The Knights of Hope is a union member of Saint Lazarus with established Priories in St. Kitts/Nevis, Curacao, Jamaica, Ecuador, and Isle of Man with SMOKH representing the Caribbean Referendary.

Dr. Charles McWilliams is the Grand master of the Knights of Hope. http://smoch.org/index.php