The Melbourne branch of the Sovereign Order of Malta gathered recently to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the order’s Australian Association, which was established on October 18, 1974, securing its presence on every continent. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
Making the evening on Monday, October 28, extra special was the presence of His Most Eminent Highness, Fra’ John Dunlap, the Grand Master of the order, who gave a keynote address commending the Australian Association for its work defending the faith and serving their “lords and ladies”, the poor and sick —the charism that has guided them for more than 900 years.
“Our order is united by a common purpose, to defend the faith and to serve those in need regardless of nationality, race or creed,” Fra’ Dunlap, who comes from Canada, said. “The work done here in Australia is a vital extension of that global mission.”
He pointed to the range of the order’s initiatives in Australia, from its Coats for the Homeless program, which has “flourished” across the country, to its work in palliative care and swift responses to national disasters like the 2020 Black Summer bushfires. He also highlighted how integral the Australian Association has been in the development of the order in countries like South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand.
“A common theme of your projects is the reduction of suffering amongst the lonely and the abandoned in modern society,” he said.
Fra’ Dunlap said that even in locations where there are fewer members and volunteers, good work is being done.
“A small team in the Northern Territory is known for punching above their weight, assisting your Indigenous fellow citizens,” he said.
His Most Eminent Highness pointed to the future with hope.
“As we look to the future, the work of the order in Australia must continue with the same passion and dedication that brought us to this point,” he said. “There is much still to be done in addressing the needs of the poor, the sick, the vulnerable … I encourage new members and volunteers to join the order’s works, to bring fresh energy and ideas to the association.”
The Order of Malta has hosted celebrations in Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane, with Fra’ Dunlap’s visit to Australia concluding with a final dinner in Sydney.
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Order of Malta’s Grand Master: ‘be a living, vibrant force for good’ (Melbourne Catholic)
