Wednesday, March 11, was a bright and memorable day in Oakland, California, as members and friends of the Order of Malta gathered to celebrate the upcoming ten‑year anniversary of the Order of Malta Pope Francis Legal Clinic. The Clinic, founded in June 2016 on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, has become a vital ministry of justice, compassion, and hospitality in the Diocese of Oakland.

The anniversary luncheon, graciously hosted by Bishop Michael Barber, brought together sixteen invited guests — most of them attorneys who volunteer their time at the clinic, along with corporate board members who also serve without compensation, and several spouses who have supported the mission from the beginning. The gathering reflected the collaborative spirit that has sustained the Clinic for a decade.

Honoring the Visionaries

In his opening remarks, Tom Greerty, President, and member of the Order of Malta Western Association, reflected on the journey that brought the Clinic into being. He recalled the early days when he and Bishop Barber, a Chaplain of the Order of Malta, shared a vision of a legal ministry rooted in the Order of Malta’s charism of serving the poor and the sick.

Greerty also paid tribute to Father George Mockel, then Vicar General of the Diocese, whose steady leadership and practical wisdom helped assemble the many pieces needed to launch the clinic.

“It took us two years to build it,” Greerty noted, “because we needed money — so we had to go get some in San Francisco, where a kind Order of Malta member and his wife helped pay all the expenses of reconfiguring the space where the clinic would be settled.” That space, thoughtfully designed, remains the Clinic’s home today — a place where people in crisis find not only legal guidance but dignity, welcome, and hope.

There was also a special acknowledgement and gratitude expressed to the Western Association for incorporating the Legal Clinic as an official work of the Order of Malta. Greerty thanked Michael Grace, the then President of the Western Association and current member of the Sovereign Council for his stewardship during the incorporation process.

The organization is supported by a dedicated team of attorneys, those present were Bob Ford, Tom Mulvhill, Mark Pierce (Retired Judge), Greg Schopf, and Elizabeth Ezekeem, who specializes in immigration law. Missing attorneys unable to attend Steve Burke and John Zuggoni. The Board of Directors present were President Tom Greerty, Duke Powers, Rick Medeiros, and Tim Powers. The chief organizer of operations is Catherine Greerty.

A Ministry That Changes Lives

Over the past ten years, the Order of Malta Pope Francis Legal Clinic has earned a reputation for professional excellence and heartfelt hospitality. Under Bishop Barber’s leadership, the Clinic has expanded its reach and strengthened its partnerships, becoming a trusted resource for individuals facing legal challenges they cannot navigate alone.

Volunteer attorneys have assisted close to 5,000 clients in the past decade with matters ranging from housing and immigration to family law and consumer issues. Their work has prevented evictions, protected vulnerable seniors, reunited families, and helped countless individuals regain stability in their lives.

A Celebration Marked by Gratitude

The luncheon itself reflected the warmth and fellowship that defined the clinic’s mission. Guests enjoyed a three‑course meal, culminating in a dessert of persimmon pudding with biscotti, a sweet ending to a day filled with gratitude.

Greerty offered a champagne toast, honoring the dedication of the Clinic’s volunteers and the generosity of those who made its founding possible. Bishop Barber, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the attorneys and supporters whose service embodies the Order of Malta’s commitment to defending the dignity of every person.

Looking Toward the Next Ten Years

As the Clinic approaches its official ten‑year anniversary this June, the celebration in Oakland served as both a moment of reflection and a renewed call to service. The challenges facing the poor and vulnerable remain great, but so too does the commitment of the Knights and Dames of Malta, their partners, and the legal professionals who give their time so generously.

The Order of Malta Pope Francis Legal Clinic stands today as a testament to what faith, perseverance, and community can accomplish — and as a beacon of hope for all who seek justice.