Vice president of the Australian Association of the Order of Malta, Daniel Kwok, and former chief executive officer of Macquarie Group Limited, Nicholas Moore AO, each received a distinguished papal honour at a ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral chapter hall on 12 December.
Also recognised was the inaugural chair of Catholic Schools NSW Stephen Sedgwick AO, who died in November after a short illness.
Moore was named a Knight of St Gregory the Great for his service with “generosity and passion” to the church and community through his work in the financial sector and as chair of corporations and charities.
Born in 1959, Moore obtained tertiary qualifications in law and commerce from the University of New South Wales and was admitted to the roll as both a solicitor and chartered accountant.
The parishioner of Holy Family parish in Mosman began his career with Macquarie Bank in 1986. Today he is chair of Australia’s Financial Regulator Assessment Authority and the Markets Taskforce Expert Advisory Panel and the Special Envoy for Southeast Asia.
“The referees that wrote in support of his nomination all noted that, despite his extremely prominent position in society more broadly, Mr Moore is a man of deep humility who is always willing to assist at the local school fete or community barbeque,” read the citation.
“He is an exemplar of integrity and has never made any secret of his faith, no matter the sphere in which he operates.”
Moore said he was “delighted” to receive the award and that he was most proud of his work with Catholic education leaders which includes supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Last year we celebrated 200 years of Catholic education in this country, and it is such a wonderful element of the church’s presence here, and an important legacy that 20 per cent of our children are being educated well, and importantly, educated in the faith,” he said.
“It’s a great honour that I’ve been able to participate in that.”
Kwok has served the church and the wider Australian community through his role within the Order of Malta and more broadly, inspired by the words of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to “never see a need without doing something about it.”
He has also served as chairman of the board of Josephite Community Aid, which is focused on care for refugees and those suffering from mental illness.
Born on 26 April 1950, he completed his secondary schooling under the guidance of the Patrician Brothers and graduated with an honours degree in psychology from the University of New South Wales in 1973.
While he has excelled in international business management and strategy, it was for his charitable commitments and activities that he was nominated for an award and named a Knight of St Sylvester by Pope Francis.
“Care for Christ in the poor and suffering is central to his personal sense of mission, as well as his spiritual life,” read his citation.
“That is what initially drew him to the Order of Malta, and it is what sustains his ongoing efforts to this day.
“His evident faith and deep spiritual life are a source of inspiration for those around him.”
In his response Kwok said he was grateful to God for the grace to “do this work as his instrument for his glory.”
“I’m so thankful to God that he gives each of us so many gifts, and if they are used for his purpose the world will be even more wonderful than it is now.”
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presented the awards to the men in the presence of their families and told them he had also conferred a knighthood of St Gregory the Great on former Australian Public Service commissioner Stephen Sedgwick AO.
The archbishop told the assembly he was able to visit him in hospital to present the award on behalf of Pope Francis.
“Throughout his life Stephen served admirably in the Federal public service and gave powerful witness to the Gospel in his parish, in assisting the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and as inaugural chair of Catholic Schools NSW,” he said.
The archbishop shared thoughts of St Thomas Aquinas that while worthwhile recipients of such honours may like to avoid receiving them, it would be “plain ingratitude as much as bad social pedagogy not to honour such achievements.”
The papal knighthoods represent the chivalry ideal of knights who protect and care for the vulnerable and poor and contribute to the common good and be a wise steward of gifts and opportunities “whether or not anyone is watching,” he said.
“Nicholas Moore and Daniel Kwok have shared their many gifts for the betterment of their communities and the building up of God’s kingdom.
“Through family and parish life, various initiatives and mentorships, contributions to education, the arts and research, men’s groups, advocacy to government, and service of the needy through the Order of Malta they have served humbly and with dedication.”
This story was updated 16 January to correct the spelling of Stephen Sedgwick’s name.