The knights and dames of the Order of Malta gathered in Melbourne for their biennial national assembly and the investiture of three new members and chaplains. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
The assembly focused on the order’s mission of caring for the sick and poor and defending the faith, the task it has upheld since its beginnings in 11th-century Jerusalem.
A keynote lecture by Australian Catholic University’s Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, who is leading research into the history of the order, drew on this long legacy as he reflected on how historical memory should guide the present mission of the charitable organisation.
“We must understand the members of the order not just as bearers of tradition but as agents of fidelity. For the order, history is not nostalgia; it is vocation,” Associate Professor von Guttner Sporzynski said.
Natasha Michael, from Notre Dame Australia, spoke on the relevance of the hospitaller spirit in modern-day palliative care, in line with the order’s advocacy for compassionate palliative care in a world of legalised assisted dying. Associate Professor Michael’s talk provided insights into the positive impact that sustained, continuous, and compassionate care can have on patients.
Special guest Fra’ Max Rumney, Grand Prior of England, spoke about the life of the professed and their devotion to the order’s charism, and delved into the deeper meaning behind the three evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience taken by professed knights.
Professor Francis Campbell, Vice-Chancellor of Notre Dame Australia, delivered a talk on “faith and navigating the public square”, highlighting the importance of faith communities actively engaging in and contributing to societal debates.
Other speakers updated attendees on some of the projects undertaken by the Order of Malta Australia, including its expanding work nationwide with the homeless and disadvantaged and the development of its medical centre in Timor-Leste to provide free primary medical care to the poorest Timorese.
Across the weekend there were several liturgical services held in various local churches, including a vigil service at Sacred Heart Church in Carlton, where Archbishop Peter A Comensoli and Archbishop Anthony Fisher were both received as Chaplains Grand Cross ad honorem.
Another investiture Mass admitted three new knights and dames into the order, as well as three new chaplains: Fr Binh Le, Fr Max Vodola and the soon-to-be Archbishop of Hobart, Anthony Ireland.
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Order of Malta holds national assembly in Melbourne (Melbourne Catholic)
