A millennium of Catholic tradition was on display in suburban Sydney over the weekend as the Shrine of St Anne’s at Bondi hosted the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta for an Investiture Mass and the Promise of Obedience.
Grand Master, HMEH Fra’ John Dunlap travelled to Australia in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Australian Association, which was established in 1974.
It’s the Grand Master’s first visit to Australia since being appointed last year. The Investiture Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Sydney Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP and concelebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Charles D Balvo Apostolic Nuncio to Australia and Archbishop of Brisbane Most Rev Mark Coleridge.
Speaking after the Mass, the third highest ranking member of one of our church’s most ancient and Holy Catholic Orders declared isolation and loneliness one of the most devastating problems plaguing the developed world.
Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta HE Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo said that in affluent countries like Australia, there is a new danger causing alarm for charitable services.
“There is a new profile of need, that is loneliness, homelessness and all the needs that have become linked with the life we now manage today.”
In an interview with The Catholic Weekly the Grand Chancellor stated that in modern countries with world-class health care, the order is focusing on how the global cost of living crisis and modern consumerism is impacting the marginalised.
“Many in our times are having to live in solitude, suffering loneliness. What the order does in Australia, Europe and the United States is look to address this.
“The life we manage today is very complicated, the lives we lead are very busy, the elderly are stuck living alone and not everyone can care for themselves.”
The Grand Chancellor added that while the ancient order began with just one hospital in Jerusalem for pilgrims ten centuries ago, it has grown to provide health care and other charitable services in more than 120 countries around the globe.
“As always, we will help whoever is in need without considering their profile, their gender or beliefs. As an order we have to be proud to help people in the poorest parts of the world.”
HE di Montecupo also added his praise for the Australian Association of the Order of Malta for their work and focus assisting our Pacific and Asian neighbours. Specifically, a medical clinic in Timor Leste which is funded by the Australian Association.
“I am very proud that this part of the world is sustaining those clinics. I am very pleased to thank all of the help that comes from Australia to assist this part of the world in sustaining the Timor Leste clinic.”
The Grand Chancellor concluded that while the Australian Association is one of the younger chapters, it is an important one.
“It is an honour for us to come here. It is a very important country. Australia represents the future. The Order of Malta is 1,000 years old and I hope it will go on forever. The future is represented not only by Europe and the parts of the world where the Order has been present for centuries but countries such as Australia, the United States, and other countries where we have been working for many decades,” HE di Montecupo said.
When asked why the Australian Association has worked tirelessly not just in our country, but across the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, President of the Australian Association Hon James Douglas KC KHD said it was simple.
“Because they’re our neighbours. They’re the ones that are closest to us and they have a genuine need.”
Justice Douglas said that the mission of the order had been clear and constant for nearly 1,000 years.
“Our charism is encapsulated in our motto; defence of the faith and care for the poor and the sick.”
The Australian Association’s most significant work regionally currently is in Timor Leste, but they have also greatly assisted Tonga during their recent, devastating natural disaster, while also working in Papua New Guinea to treat locals suffering eye diseases.
In Sydney, the order works weekly supporting the poor and homeless. To donate, volunteer or find out more visit here.