Central Eastern Region Hospitaller: Dr Stephen Quain KMG and Mark Boffa KMG
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he Central Eastern Region has had an active 12 months, highlighted by hosting the Biennial Conference from 31 May to 2 June 2019 in Sydney. There were 112 registrants for the Assembly held in Sydney at The Hilton Hotel. This year’s theme was ‘Embracing The Challenge’ and we were fortunate and very grateful to have high quality addresses from Senator Amanda Stoker, Justice Dyson Heydon, Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, Bishop Vincent Long, Monica Doumit, Director of Public Affairs from the Archdiocese of Sydney, and Dr Trudy Dantis, Director of the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference, National Centre for Pastoral Research. All the addresses were stimulating, thought provoking and ensured appropriate questions and discussion. A particular highlight was former Prime Minister, The Honourable John Howard’s after-dinner address, which discussed the issues of religious freedom in Australia. Coats and the Community Care Van The Coats for the Homeless program
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continued under the leadership of Confrère Ben Franklin. Once again, an estimated 3000 coats were distributed, not only within inner city Sydney and Parramatta but also in provincial areas through other agencies such as the St Vincent de Paul Society. In the inner city, we were again very fortunate to have the assistance and support of trained nurses from St Vincent’s Mental Health and Homeless Nursing Unit. Their support ensured that in addition to giving out the coats in the colder months or water, sunscreen and hats in the warmer months, any homeless person requiring medical attention was duly attended to. Mass for Deceased Members Monsignor Tony Doherty, our Senior Chaplain in the Sacred Heart Hospice Chapel celebrated Mass for our deceased members in October.
obligation for regular involvement in the Order’s spiritual activities. Scheduled members’ meetings were not held in April and June due to the Biennial Assembly and then the election of the new National Executive. Meetings resumed in November. We were very pleased to have our new President, His Honour, Justice James Douglas, address us on that occasion. Our annual Day of Reflection was again held at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North Sydney on 17 August. Chaplain, Fr Danny Meagher led the Mass with 35 members in attendance. In the two days prior, the Subpriory held its Sydney retreat at Canisius College conducted by Fr Geoffrey Plant. On Sunday 15 September 2019, members celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Philermos at St Mary’s Cathedral with the Maltese Community, with readings in English and Maltese.
Spiritual activities and defense of the faith Our Chaplains continued to celebrate our Friday Vigil Masses with around 15 to 20 members attending. To increase numbers, members have been reminded of our
Membership Seven candidates continued to attend preparatory sessions prior to the Vigil Masses at least five times through the year under the guidance of Monsignor Doherty.
2019 Australian Hospitaller
