Central Southern

South Australian members embraced the invitation from Rome to publicly celebrate the National Day of the Order and speak about the work of the Order.

Central Southern Region Hospitaller: Noel Mifsud KMG and Damian Wyld KMG

I thank my God whenever I think of you, and every time I pray for you all, I always pray with joy – Philippians 1:3-5 T he Grand Master, H.M.E.H. Fra’ Giacomo Elections of the Australian Association of the Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto Sovereign Order of Malta encouraged members of the Order of Malta The 2019, newly elected members were reminded of to engage in active, hands-on involvement in service their responsibility and deep commitment to service. of the sick and poor and defence of the faith. This The Central Southern Region extends a vote of thanks challenge echoed the words of the Holy Father in to the outgoing National Executive and our Regional 2019 to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. Hospitaller Confrère Damian Wyld for their service The following report from activities by members of and humble leadership. We also thank Confrère the Central Southern Region in 2019 is a celebration Andrew Evans who continues to serve as Treasurer for of such hands-on work, prayer and service. South Australia.

Member news

Regional Chaplain Monsignor Robert Aitken celebrated his 90th birthday on 25 May 2019.

In sadder news, Confrere Professor Ivan Shearer AM, RFD, passed away on 22 July 2019 together with Confrère Dr Bob Britten-Jones AO on 8 May 2019. We pray their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Congratulations to Confrère, The Hon Gregory Crafter AO, who together with Confrère James Varghese AM, was awarded the Orders’ Cross of Commander pro Merito Melitensi on 24 November 2019, following the Decree Motu Proprio of the Grand Master on 7 November 2019.

Snapshot 2019 Events: Coats for the Homeless

The Western Australia Members in Perth distributed 600 coats for the homeless along with regional centres of Mandurah, Albany, and Kalgoorlie. Confrère Phil Wyld coordinated the distribution of 450 coats in South Australia to urban and rural areas.

2019 film night

More than 200 people attended the annual Order of Malta Film Night in November, which raised $4283.79 to support the Coats for the Homeless project. Funds raised will pay for 171 coats to be distributed in 2020. We were deeply appreciative

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION

of the support given by the National Communications Office who assisted with event bookings and publicity.

National Day of the Order

Our South Australian members actively embraced the invitation from Rome to publicly celebrate the National Day of the Order on 10 November 2019. Vicar General and Administrator Delegate, Fr Philip Marshall and St Francis Xavier Cathedral staff were generous in their support of the event and accepted our invitation to speak about the work of the Order at the conclusion of Mass.

Annual retreat

We attended an annual retreat at the Jesuit Monastery in Sevenhills from 22 to 24 November 2019. Fr Rob Norris SJ led members in the three-days of prayer, discussion and fellowship. Established by the Jesuits in 1851, Sevenhills is not only a popular retreat centre but also hosts the oldest winery in Southern Australia’s Clare Valley. It was a breathtaking venue to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation amid the stunning hills and vines. We sincerely thank Consoeur Mary Kennedy who faithfully organises our annual retreats.

Western Australia

We are blessed to be served by five members of the Order of Malta in Western Australia. Chaplain Monsignor Kevin Long celebrated Masses and provided spiritual guidance to members throughout 2019. Earlier in the year our previous Hospitaller Confrère Damian Wyld visited members in Western Australia. In my role as Hospitaller, I enjoyed the exchange of emails and phone calls between Western Australia and South Australia discussing issues in defence of the faith including the proposed Federal Religious Discrimination Bill.

Southern Australia

The spiritual leadership of Chaplains Monsignor Robert Aitken and Fr Allan Winter graced our members in Southern Australia. In 2019, members participated in a range of activities including the Lourdes Day Mass, held in St Xavier’s Cathedral, annual Marian Procession, Biennial National Assembly, and Morning of Reflection at St Joseph’s Centre, Kensington. Members also attended bimonthly meetings, spiritual and social gatherings.

While our members are engaged in many hands-on public works of charity, we are also engaged in many individual projects such as visiting the dying at Mary Potter Hospice, serving meals to the poor and homeless, fundraising for Calvary Catholic Hospital, lobbying politicians in defence of the faith issues, and actively promoting the sacrament of Marriage and Holy Orders.

Future challenges

The Southern-Central Region engages a huge geographical distance with Perth spanning more than 2600 kilometres from Adelaide.

In 2020, we will aim to bridge the geographical divide by continuing to share reflections on the Defence of the Faith to inspire united action and prayer. We will work collaboratively with the National Executive to develop a national strategy to increase volunteers and membership. Confrère Dr Ian Leitch and I are also embarking on home visits to every Southern Australian member and via email or a visit to Perth for our Western Australia members. The aim is to listen to each member and ensure their voice, concerns and reflections are heard and considered to deepen their commitment and experience in 2020.

In an email in November I wrote to our members saying that it is not easy to be a Member of our Order. Sometimes we may not have the time, funds or strength to carry out our work in the Order. I remain inspired, humbled and blessed by the witness, love and generosity of our members who roll up their sleeves in solidarity and love for the sick and the poor and in defence of the Church.

I thank my God whenever I think of you, and every time I pray for you all, I always pray with joy.