Subpriory

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. A t a Mass to commemorate the Blessed Centre in Pymble, New South Wales in August Virgin Mary under the title of The 2018, and preceded the Day of Reflection for the Blessed Virgin of Mount Philermos on 9 Central Eastern Region. Fr Geoffrey Plant led September 2018, the Subpriory of the Immaculate this retreat. This is the second year in which the Conception saw Confrere David Blackwell, OAM Subpriory has held two retreats across the year, RFD, take his Promise to become a Knight of which increases availability of potential dates to Magistral Grace in Obedience. This was a special members, and reflects the growing size of the day for David, whose family attended to observe as Subpriory’s membership. This arrangement seems witness to his faith. Confrere David has been Coto be working well and Confrere Paul Grew’s ordinator of the monthly Lourdes Day Masses in willing contribution in helping organise the Sydney residential aged care facilities for the South Eastern retreats is deeply appreciated. Region, whereby the Order facilitates the aged This year, the Subpriory’s Leadership and sick elderly to access Mass and Lourdes water Committee has met to help coordinate retreats and in residential homes where Mass is not regularly guide development of the Subpriory. It comprises celebrated. Consoeurs Jennifer Dunlop (ACT) and Mary Galea

The Sovereign Council has also approved two (VIC), and Confreres Anthony Gerada (QLD), other members of our Subpriory to proceed to Stephen Gatt (NSW), Paul Grew (NSW) and take their Promises: Confrere Justin Harkiewicz, Ian Leitch (SA). Confrere Ian Leitch is developing Knight of Magistral Grace from our Hong Kong a prayer book, with a draft currently under review. delegation, and Confrere Richard Caesar-Thwaytes, In addition, Consoeurs Dr Jennifer Dunlop and Knight of Magistral Grace from Canberra. We look Lady Janette Murray, together with Confrere forward for an opportunity in early 2019 for this to Daniel Kwok, have been examining the formation occur. offered to new members of the Subpriory, and

The 2018, the Sovereign Council approved the have developed a framework in conjunction with following Knights or Dames of Magistral Grace to Dom Henry O’Shea OSB, Benedictine monk of begin their year of Preparation in the Subpriory: Confrere Ambassador Egbert Collin Yap, who Glenstal, Ireland and Magistral Chaplain to the Irish Association. This concept of formation has The 2018, the represents the Order in Timor-Leste, Confrere been a key issue amid the reform discussions Sovereign Council Frank Testa, Confrere Sauro Antonelli AM, Consoeur Lilian Antonelli OAM, and Confrere Geoffrey Horgan QC. This year of preparation occurring in Rome.

Applications have also been received from 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 Magistral Grace to begin their year of Consoeur Dr Margaret O’Donnell, Confrere Melbourne from 21 to 24 November 2019. This will Preparation in the Gerard O’Donnell, Confrere Sean Parnell, and Confrere Dr Robert Sainz to begin a year of preparation. The Sovereign Council asks that provide a special opportunity for the Prelate and for the Chaplains of our Order in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to arrange workshops. Subpriory: Confrere Ambassador members belong to the Order for five years before Physician-assisted suicide has been prominent Egbert Collin Yap, 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 in the State Parliaments across 2018, and members of the Subpriory have been actively engaged in presentations and advocacy to parliamentarians. who represents the Order in Timormark. This work will continue in 2019 as legislatures Leste, Confrere

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, introduce this major change into our Australian health care systems.

The Prelate of the Order, His Excellency the Most Reverend Msgr. Jean Laffitte, Titular Bishop approved the following Knights is book-ended by two five-day retreats, while of Entrevaux, and Grand Cross Conventual or Dames of aspirants work with a spiritual director as their Master of Probation across the year.

The second retreat was held at the Canisius Thank you to all members of the Subpriory for your contributions throughout 2018. Horgan QC.

Members of the Subpriory have also been Frank Testa, Confrere Sauro Victoria in February 2018, and preceded a Day very active in the charitable works of the Order, Antonelli AM, 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 supporting the endeavours of the Australian Association to care for the poor and the sick. This remains the most important focus of every member Consoeur Lilian Antonelli OAM, and honorem and Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, who of the Subpriory. Confrere Geoffrey focused on Living the Beatitudes.