About Us

 

Our History

The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John, International is an organization of Catholic women joined together in a spirit of fraternal sisterhood. The Knights of St. John was founded in Europe in 1048 A.D. Historically, Auxiliaries could only exist if they were affiliated with an Order of the Knights of St. John. The Ladies Auxiliary began its affiliation with the Knights of St. John in 1894. In Jerusalem, The Knights of St. John established a house of refuge for pilgrims to the Holy Land. They also built a convent which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and a hospital in honor of St. John the Baptist. Auxiliaries would assist the Knights with these endeavors.

In 1886, The Knights of St. John began in the United States. Many years later, in 1900 The Supreme Auxiliary was formed and was incorporated in 1938 as The Ladies’ Auxiliary. Today, we have members in the United States, South America, Africa, Germany, London, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Our Mission

Our mission is to unite into true fraternal Sisterhood, Catholic women of good moral character; to assist in spreading our faith; to instill in their minds a fine sense of honor, love of truth and piety; to develop patriotism; to foster and create fraternalism and sociability among our members; to teach sympathy and charity by alleviating the suffering conditions of such members of the Sisterhood as through illness or misfortune are unable to sustain themselves; and to promote a more generous, filial respect for the spiritual authority of the Roman Catholic Church and its members.

Our Patronage

Our patronage is under the guidance and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholic Church looks upon the Blessed Virgin Mary as a respected and influential Star of the Sea. In honor of our Blessed Virgin Mary, The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John, International has adopted the colors of blue and white.

What We Do

The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John, International; through volunteerism, fundraising, and/or sponsorships, assists the Catholic Church, its affiliated organizations, and surrounding communities with charitable acts of mercy.