Alumni Invested As Knights of Malta

Two esteemed Saint Joseph’s University alumni have been invested in the Order of Malta, one of the oldest service organizations in the world. 

Anthony Carfagno ’60 and Brian Duperreault ’69 were named Knights of Malta in a high Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan this past November at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Carfagno’s wife Evelyn was made a dame of the order. 

With a little over 3,000 members nationwide, the Order of Malta, a Roman Catholic lay religious order, has rigorous standards for acceptance. Individuals must be sponsored by two order members and demonstrate distinction in their profession and service to the church and community. 

“It comes as no surprise that Brian and Tony have been recognized by and welcomed into the Knights of Malta. They lead their lives by putting the needs of others first and we are proud to count them among our most distinguished graduates,” says Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., Saint Joseph's president.

Carfagno, whose invitation came from fellow Saint Joseph’s graduate Arnold Traupman, M.D. ’69, says the honor was “a fulfillment of a dream.” His investment in the order comes after  decades of deep involvement in and support of his local parish. 

Duperreault was also asked to apply by Traupman, as well as Patrick M.J. Hutton, M.D. ’69, at their 50th reunion celebration at Saint Joseph’s. “I thought Brian would be an excellent fit because of his devotion to the church and to St. Joe’s through his philanthropy to the school,” recalls Hutton.

Duperreault, one of the University’s board members, says he was humbled by the nomination. “It’s an honor, not something that just happens. You have to be accepted.”

Applicants spend a year in formation, learning the order’s mission and history and volunteering in the order’s educational and spiritual endeavors. This includes feeding the less fortunate in soup kitchens, tending to the elderly and ministering to the sick. “You need to be willing to have hands-on experiences as far as charitable works go,” says Traupman, chairman of the order’s Allentown Area. 

Although much of this year’s formation was held virtually due to COVID-19 concerns, Carfagno was heavily involved in organizing an in-person Day of Recollection & Healing at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia in South Philadelphia.

“It’s all the things that the Jesuits teach you about doing, about working for others. It’s all embodied in what this order does,” says Duperreault. “That was attractive to me, and to have like-minded people, the fellowship around that.”