Subpriory Procurator The Knights and Dames in Obedience form the second of the three classes of the Order of Malta. Unlike the members of the first class (the Knights of Justice) who make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, the Knights and Dames of the second class make a promise of obedience. Professor David Kissane AC KMG(Ob), as Procurator, reports on the Subpriory of the Immaculate Conception.
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t a Mass to commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of The Blessed Virgin of Mount Philermos on 9 September 2018, the Subpriory of the Immaculate Conception saw Confrere David Blackwell, OAM RFD, take his Promise to become a Knight of Magistral Grace in Obedience. This was a special day for David, whose family attended to observe as witness to his faith. Confrere David has been Coordinator of the monthly Lourdes Day Masses in residential aged care facilities for the South Eastern Region, whereby the Order facilitates the aged and sick elderly to access Mass and Lourdes water in residential homes where Mass is not regularly celebrated. The Sovereign Council has also approved two other members of our Subpriory to proceed to take their Promises: Confrere Justin Harkiewicz, Knight of Magistral Grace from our Hong Kong delegation, and Confrere Richard Caesar-Thwaytes, Knight of Magistral Grace from Canberra. We look forward for an opportunity in early 2019 for this to occur. The 2018, the Sovereign Council approved the following Knights or Dames of Magistral Grace to begin their year of Preparation in the Subpriory: Confrere Ambassador Egbert Collin Yap, who represents the Order in Timor-Leste, Confrere Frank Testa, Confrere Sauro Antonelli AM, Consoeur Lilian Antonelli OAM, and Confrere Geoffrey Horgan QC. This year of preparation is book-ended by two five-day retreats, while aspirants work with a spiritual director as their Master of Probation across the year. Applications have also been received from Consoeur Dr Margaret O’Donnell, Confrere Gerard O’Donnell, Confrere Sean Parnell, and Confrere Dr Robert Sainz to begin a year of preparation. The Sovereign Council asks that members belong to the Order for five years before they undertake their Promise of Obedience. In some cases, we are asked to slow down this application until members are close to the five-year mark. Subpriory members took part in one of two available retreats for the Subpriory during 2018. The first was held at the Campion Centre in Kew, Victoria in February 2018, and preceded a Day of Reflection for the South Eastern Region. This retreat was led by the Most Rev Dr Terry Curtin, STD, DD, VG, EV, Conventual Chaplain ad honorem and Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, who focused on Living the Beatitudes. The second retreat was held at the Canisius 14
Centre in Pymble, New South Wales in August 2018, and preceded the Day of Reflection for the Central Eastern Region. Fr Geoffrey Plant led this retreat. This is the second year in which the Subpriory has held two retreats across the year, which increases availability of potential dates to members, and reflects the growing size of the Subpriory’s membership. This arrangement seems to be working well and Confrere Paul Grew’s willing contribution in helping organise the Sydney retreats is deeply appreciated. This year, the Subpriory’s Leadership Committee has met to help coordinate retreats and guide development of the Subpriory. It comprises Consoeurs Jennifer Dunlop (ACT) and Mary Galea (VIC), and Confreres Anthony Gerada (QLD), Stephen Gatt (NSW), Paul Grew (NSW) and Ian Leitch (SA). Confrere Ian Leitch is developing a prayer book, with a draft currently under review. In addition, Consoeurs Dr Jennifer Dunlop and Lady Janette Murray, together with Confrere Daniel Kwok, have been examining the formation offered to new members of the Subpriory, and have developed a framework in conjunction with Dom Henry O’Shea OSB, Benedictine monk of Glenstal, Ireland and Magistral Chaplain to the Irish Association. This concept of formation has been a key issue amid the reform discussions occurring in Rome. The Prelate of the Order, His Excellency the Most Reverend Msgr. Jean Laffitte, Titular Bishop of Entrevaux, and Grand Cross Conventual Chaplain ad honorem, plans to come to Australia in November 2019 to attend the Order of Malta’s ninth Asia Pacific Conference, taking place in Melbourne from 21 to 24 November 2019. This will provide a special opportunity for the Prelate and for the Chaplains of our Order in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to arrange workshops. Physician-assisted suicide has been prominent in the State Parliaments across 2018, and members of the Subpriory have been actively engaged in presentations and advocacy to parliamentarians. This work will continue in 2019 as legislatures introduce this major change into our Australian health care systems. Members of the Subpriory have also been very active in the charitable works of the Order, supporting the endeavours of the Australian Association to care for the poor and the sick. This remains the most important focus of every member of the Subpriory. Thank you to all members of the Subpriory for your contributions throughout 2018.
The 2018, the Sovereign Council approved the following Knights or Dames of Magistral Grace to begin their year of Preparation in the Subpriory: Confrere Ambassador Egbert Collin Yap, who represents the Order in TimorLeste, Confrere Frank Testa, Confrere Sauro Antonelli AM, Consoeur Lilian Antonelli OAM, and Confrere Geoffrey Horgan QC.
2018 Australian Hospitaller
