The BULLETIN The Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller THE GRAND PRIORY OF AUSTRALASIA Under the Royal Charter of HM King Peter II of Yugoslavia

THE PRIORY OF QUEENSLAND AND COMMANDERIES: BRISBANE, GOLD COAST THE PRIORY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST THE PRIORY OF THE PRIORY OF THE DARLING DOWNS THE PRIORY OF VICTORIA

NOVEMBER 2020

Zooming 3

Generous hospitality 3

Vale Graham Michalanney 4

SOSJ bush fire donation 6

Sovereign Council by Zoom 7

Coming to life again 7

Malta commemoration 8

Honouring Dame Lucette 9

A Christmas Miracle 9

Australasian Report 10

Tsar Paul I part two 11

Vale Dame Benise 12

Covid 19 brings a new friend TheThe PriorPrior ofof VictoriaVictoria HEHE BailiffBailiff MartinMartin not show any fear and sat beside me ConlonConlon GCSJGCSJ diddid moremore gardeninggardening thanthan usual during the lock-down period, Is Martin really quite so friendly, as so many of us did, and found a new orforfor was aa goodgood there fivefive a minutes.”minutes.”little green tree snake friend.usual during He said: the "The lock-down Kookaburra period, did snakein theIs Martin inbottom the reallybottom of the quite bin?of the so @ bin? friendly, @ as so many of us did, and found a new friend. He said: "The Kookaburra did THE BULLETIN EDITORIAL

CHEVALIER CHARLES CLARK GCSJ MMSJ Council Meeting which was to timely available. The Sovereign held with a world-wide hook up byhave Zoom; been in held Australia, in Vancouver the Annual was From the Editor’s desk General Meeting of the Grand Priory was held in a similar way, As the year 2020 approaches its with its coating of protein – not end, most people are saying it is Australian Priors, and other Priory a year they would wish to forget. humanity to its knees, humanity andas were Commandery meetings ofmeetings. the five It is a year that is extraordinary whicheven a inform many of lifeways – could considers bring itself While we will get back to face- in the history of the world, the to be supreme, beyond destruction, through this pandemic that there conditions unparalleled since the nology. Stephen Hawking, in one to-face meetings, we have learned plaguesCovid19 ofpandemic the Middle bringing Ages. Thenabout secure in ever-advancing tech- there are wars and rumours of are savings to be made in time and wars, refugees, human misery, and, itof relieshis controversial on a life-form lectures, host for said times.travel, Notand onlywe will in the continue business to use of course, the Election. sustenancethat a virus andis a parasite,replication. because But the virtual meeting at appropriate In all these, the lack of consid- then he says human beings are also eration, the exploitation and parasites because we, too, feed on together.world, for families have found it a cruelty of humans to humans is other life forms. wayA ofyear bringing to forget, far-flung so let usmembers not look back, but forward to fortunate in Australia to be remote Saint John has scaled down, but Christmas and the message of the frombeyond much contemplation. of this. And yet,We arethe very some Activity good work within has the been Order done of This is the last Bulletin for the year, It is amazing that this tiny soChrist early Child, though and it to may a better be, “Happy 2021. virus got to us. techniqueand some meetingsonly recently have and been most and Holy Christmas and a much held, mainly by virtual means, a @ micron sized bit of DNA or RNA ‘The Bulletin’ is the official magazine improved New Year”. of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, Grand Priory of Australasia: ACN 147 338 501 CORRESPONDENCE The Order of Chevalier Charles Clark GCSJ MMSJ Saint John of Jerusalem email: [email protected] Knights Hospitaller EDITORIAL GROUP THE GRAND PRIORY OF AUSTRALASIA Chevaliers Charles Clark, Reverend Dr The modern Order of Saint John of David Pitman, the Reverend Canon The Editorial Group Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller is a Emeritus Bruce Maughan (Prelate), Robin wishes all our readers and Christian, chivalric, ecumenical, and Kleinschmidt, Garry Page, Dames Dawn contributors a safe and Goodall, and Donna Fraser, and Serving international community directly joyous Christmas. descended from the Hospitaller activities Sister Leith Robinson. at the Hospice founded before the turn PRINTED BY Web signing-on of the 11th century by Amalfi merchants, HEANEYS: PERFORMERS IN PRINT The Sign-Up page comes up at for pilgrims in Jerusalem. 07 5539 4911 www.hpip.com.au the beginning of the Members’ Jerusalem 1048-1291; Cyprus 1292-1310; Domain. Enter your email Rhodes 1311-1523; Malta 1530-1798; Honour and create a password Australia 1969. whichaddress you as willgiven use in fromthe Roll then of on Australasia: osj.org.au to log in. @ Sovereign Order: sosjinternational.org

2 THE BULLETIN PRIORY OF QUEENSLAND ZOOM: THE NEW MEETING SPACE

Zooming: the virtual meeting space At this time when face-to- face gatherings and social It is often referred to as “Zoom” but have used it successfully for some distancing are so restrictive, meeting facility. It’s common use isthis similar is the toname that of of only the Americansone virtual joinedof their in executive informal meetings, meetings andfrom the virtual meeting has the five Priors of Australasia have come to the fore as an their own States. administrative tool and as Hospitallerswho “hoover” has their made carpets. use of the timeThe to screentime without shot below moving from a way of maintaining social The Order of Saint John was taken from a somewhat most notably to hold the mandatory experimental “Drinks before contact. Annualvirtual meetingGeneral Meetingson a few occasions, of the Grand Priory of Australasia and the the Prior of Queensland and the CommandersDinner” social of function, Brisbane hosted and the by bearers and Members from all aroundCompany, Australia. which gathers up Office- Priories and Commanderies ideas,Gold Coast, with drinksand provided in hand. an @ hour of conversation and exchange of

Apologies for the quality of the screen-shot images, but be assured there was much merriment, some wonderful occasion dressing, and gentle pouring of libations. As with Zoomers!Drinks before Dinner all parties, be assured, a good time on Friday 13th November was had by all! Prior Charles Clark

NOVEMBER 2020 3 SUNSHINE COAST PRIORY FUNCTIONS FLOURISH

Generous hospitality in the face of Covid Two qualities which characterise the activities of the Sunshine Coast socialPriory and have physical continued limitations to flourish 1n 2020, even in the face of the regulations. They are generous hospitalityimposed by to the fellow COVID-19 members in forprivate our lordshomes, the and sick unwavering and our lordscommitment the poor to through financial selected support Images: At the luncheon at the home restrictions the Priory was able to of Chevalier John Hazelwood, were, charities. Despite the COVID-19 above, Chevalier Russell Brothers and worthy local charities amounting to his wife Kay and at left, Dame Leonie Barnes. provide financial support to three Below, with raffle books at the ready The Priory’s long term support were Melanie De Wit and Mike $14,500. ...generous hospitality Milwright to fellow members infor February Our Rainbow for the House purchase in Zambia of in private homes, continued with a donation of $4000 and unwavering Despite the forced cancellation ofvital the vaccines True Blue for Cocktail students. Party in commitment to financial support for much needed equipment for our lords the sick and April, the commitment to provide our lords the poor... a fundraising effort which Sunshine Butterflies produced Committee thank all who under the umbrellas by the canal. supportedraised $10,000. this most The Fundraising worthy cause. Dame Leonie Barnes did the honours as an excellent barbecue Priory with the annual oblations chef. Donations received by the Dame Bette Tipper were gracious inamounted turn distributed to $4,000, it whichto four was local hostsPrior at aChevalier gathering Mel for Tipper members and branchesgiven to Rural at Caloundra, Fire Services, Maroochy who North, Maroochy South and Noosa. of the Priory on Monday 9th attend. The proceeds of this party was celebrated with a luncheon November at their beautiful unit and the Siege of Malta luncheon will The Relief of the Siege of Malta ofoverlooking warmth and Mooloolaba friendship. beach. It be directed to a local organization was a particularly happy event, full for needy children at Christmas. September.at the home After of Chevalier the social John p.m. the 2020 Priory Christmas Hazelwood on Sunday 13th PartyOn willSunday be held 6th Decemberat the home at 5.30 lockdown, this was a relaxed and of Dame Vicki Stewart DSJ at CocktailPlans Partyare in onhand Saturday for activities 27th enjoyabledeprivation resumption of the COVID-19 of friendship Mooloolaba. All are welcome. Marchin 2021. in They Buderim include and the a Garden True Blue and fellowship, enhanced by the Please contact Dame Jenny Cant for relaxed and serene atmosphere further information if you wish to @ Party on Sunday 17th October to benefit Cittamani Palliative Care. 4 THE BULLETIN GRAND PRIORY VALE CHEVALIER GRAHAM

Vale Graham Thomas Michalanney

Graham Michalanney passed peacefully after a long battle with illness, with his wife and his children by his side until the end on Tuesday 29th September. Graham was born in South

He was educated in Adelaide and wasAustralia then acceptedon the 31st into July Elders 1941 Smith and Company Limited in the cadet intake, where he undertook and completed a management also completed his Import Export Diploma.Diploma at Adelaide University. He It was during this time he made the decision to pursue a career in organization. Both he and Susan Commerce (Shipping) rather than was transferred to Melbourne as a Pastural/Farming that a number in 1967, he married Susan and many ship launches in many countriesdid many overseasaround the trips, world. attending qualified ship broker. toof hisLondon family and were subsequently involved in. was Their daughter Rachael was admitted!965 he was as atransferred member of by the Elders born in 1971, and their son Andrew Graham becameretired in a member2001 and of the Baltic Exchange, representing the andin 1973. was Inelected 1980 tohe thewas Board. posted The to moved to Melbourne. companySydney to by manage this time the wasSydney known office During his posting in as Elder Austral Chartering and transferredOrder of St John to the and Priory was investedof Victoria company on the floor. subsequently as Austral Chartering andinto washe Order Prior in of NSW. Victoria In 1998 from he a Member of the Institute of Proprietary Limited. He became Charteredhe undertook Shipbrokers, and qualified from as the Managing Director responsible for Commander of Justice. City of London College. the Melbourne and London MarchHe was 2015 a Member– July 2018 of theKnight After qualifying he was elected and became a Fellow of the He became Chairman, also being Society of St George, The Melbourne Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers aoffices Director of the of Clarksons company. in London, ClubVictorian and President Racing Club, of the The Dromana Royal the world’s largest shipbroking Valley Probus Club. He spent many

(FICS). On returning to Adelaide Images: Above, Graham Wheels until his illness made it no and Susan Michalanney at longeryears volunteering possible. with Meals on an OSJ function His interests were collecting At left, on becomming early Australian Art, antiques, Knight Commander of Justice, with, from left, George Kearney, Rob De horse racing and a love of music. Martini, and Victor Feros, He is survived by his wife Susan, at right. Duncan, son Andrew, and wife Shirmeen,daughter Rachael, and his fourher husband, adorable grandchildren. Graham will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. @

NOVEMBER 2020 5 PRIORY OF THE DARLING DOWNS MEETINGS

PRIOR DR JEFFREY PREBBLE OAM KCSJ

SOSJ Vancouver Donate Darling Downs Priory Meetings to Rural Bush Fire Relief

On the 3rd August, the Darling theDowns Darling Administrative Downs held Council a meeting met, followedand on the by 6th a dinner August, at the PrioryDowns of Club. At the meeting tribute was paid to

the late Chev. Christian Lundgaard EDKSJ GCSJ and thefollowed late Chevalier by a minute’s Emeritus silence.Professor George Kearney AM RFD Acknowledgement and congrat-

aulations catholic were priest made of our of theChaplain 50th anniversary of the ordination as

AEmeritus, celebratory Chevalier mass at The St Patrick’sVery Cathedral,Reverend Dr Toowoomba Brian Sparksman in September KCSJ.

wasMembers attended were by Chevaliers informed ofBob THE WATER TANKER TRAILER, A GENEROUS GIFT FROM SOSJ TO theKretchmann donations and made Rob earlier Rimmer. in the EASTERN DOWNS RURAL FIRE BRIGADE. BELOW: THE TANKER'S PLAQUE year – the Toowoomba Hospice

kind and the Family Support Area received $120,000 in donation and The Summer of 2019-2020 saw Tour of the Toowoomba City Hall and disastrous bush fires throughout Toowoombais completed. Art $2,500 Gallery raised in March at the has ofAustralia. Jerusalem Our Knights Brothers Hospitaller and Sisters of the Sovereign Order of Saint John

(headquartered in Vancouver, which hindered firefighting efforts Canada) very kindly sent a donation hosinglast summer. and storage It holds containers. 1,000 litres of Can$10,000 (AUD11,000) for the of water,Built by has HMF a petrol Engineering driven pump, in Crows Order to direct appropriately to Nest, Queensland at a cost Victoriansupport the Priory bush and fire then relief donated funds. Supplemented by a donation of $20,000, it features signage on $5,500 was distributed to the Darling Downs, the funds donation. Diocese.to the Gippsland Bushfire Appeal wereof $5,000 used from to purchase the Priory a much- of The each side acknowledging the Order’s via the Gippsland Anglican Church needed new water tanker trailer Prior George Fox and Prior Jeff donated to the Eastern Downs which will be shared with other PrebbleOn Friday joined 18th members September of the Vice- In Queensland, $5,500 was The tanker was specially designed Rural Fire Brigade Group. These are byrural members fire services. of the Brigade to EasternMr Wayne Downs Schefe, Rural the Fire Group Brigade in ourvolunteer region. fire fighters who bear the Crows Nest for an official handover.g brunt of rural firefighting efforts in overcome equipment shortcomings Officer, Eastern Downs Rural 6 THE BULLETIN SOVEREIGN COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING

PRIOR DR JEFFREY PREBBLE OAM KCSJ The Sovereign Council From Australia, the Grand Prior, HE

Darling Downs Priory Meetings The Sovereign Council Meeting of Memorandumthe International of Understanding,Sovereign Order, andBailiff Priors Victor Jeffrey Feros Prebble OAM GCSJ and CMSJ, waswith originally whom we planned in Australia to be have held the in was invited to attend as a delegate, Donations from the annual been presented to “Sunrise Way”. Charles Clark attended as observers. assemblyVancouver of in formal September meetings, this year. Others who registered, but did oblation amounting to $2,590 were theCovid19 social occasions meant that including the planned a Barton,not attend and sessions James Haire. were: Attending Chevaliers given to “Hear and Say”. The Eastern fromGarry Australia Page, John required Postle, Richardsome Downs Rural Fire Brigade received and post conference tours, all had stamina, because a starting time of $5,000 from our Priory. This was toCathedral be cancelled. Service Constitutionally, and Investiture, theadded purchase to the donation of a water of tanker $5,500 trailer. from that we be in front of our computers the Sovereign Order of Saint John for 8:00 am in Vancouver demanded donation of a hamper of Christmas the Sovereign Council must meet, so giftsMembers to the Toowoomba approved the Hospice usual usingbusiness Zoom. meetings were held over at 1:00 am. twoThey days, brought 18th and Members 19th September, and The Grand Prior delivered a report to the Sovereign Council on@ December.and the provision Members of $200also endorsed vouchers behalf of the Order in Australasia: it for twelve needy families in Observers together from all areas. is reproduced here, on page 10. each to MS Queensland (who are constructingthe suggestion a residentialto donate $7,500 facility in Toowoomba) and Clifton Community Coming to life again Hospital. After the constraints of this past year, planning is being made optimistically for a brighter future. Forthcoming events include Here is notice of some events. our Christmas meeting on 19th Christmas dinner organized by Priory of the Darling Downs November, to be followed by a Maclean. A social fund raising function is being planned for early in the year. ChevalierNext year, Rod we Maclean are planning and Mrs a socialJane fund raising function early in the Priory of Western Australia The Investiture has been postponed to Saturday 16th October 2021. @ year and our Investiture on the 16th October 2021. 7pm.A Christmas ‘Sundowner’ on the 4th December. Fire Brigade expressed the surprise A Christmas Miracle’. In St George’s Cathedral on the 10th December at December. donation. ‘Festival of Lessons and Carols’ at St George’s Cathedral on the 23rd and delight at receiving the generous

Some further dates tba for next year, a quiz in March and a ‘Raceday’ at SaintHe John thanked for their both contributions the Sovereign and Priory of Queensland spokeOrder of Saintthe great John usefulness and the Order of this of Ascot Racecourse in April. @ Brisbane Commandery Christmas Lunch at the Queensland Club on Investiture probably Friday 11th June. equipment in fighting future fires. Wednesday, 2nd December. Brisbane Commandery is planning a fund raising social function for later in the year. Priory of the Sunshine Coast Cocktail party 27th March

Garden Party 17th October NOVEMBER 2020 7 BRISBANE COMMANDERY MALTA REMEMBERED

DAME COMMANDER LEANNE O'SHEA DCSJ Brisbane and Gold Coast commemorate the Siege of Malta

BRISBANE AND GOLD COAST COMMANDERIES JOIN IN COMMEMORATING THE SIEGE OF MALTA

Dame Commander Leanne recalling the role of our forbears O’Shea DCSJ writes: in defending their faith and their the address on the original Siege Many Knights and Dames Community and our joining together Michael Halliday KCSJ delivered appreciation. Many members was a wonderful celebration. We commentedand this was to received me and with other genuine have commented to me that this for the first time since the COVID members of our leadership group at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Greek‘Invasion’ Club, has South changed Brisbane. our lives. The commenced with a Service held atmosphereOur lunch was followed upbeat at as the we met Thank you to all who attended with our dear friends whom we had andhow made much this they a enjoyed wonderful the entry event. to Wooloongabba led by Chevalier @ Reverend Noel Noack GCHSJ. The service was particularly moving in not seen since last year. Chevalier resuming our normal activities.

LEADING THE SERVICE DELIVERING THE ADDRESS GIVING THANKS

8 THE BULLETIN PRIORY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA SUPPORT CONTINUES

The National Trust’s WA Priory Honours “Woodbridge House” on the Swan River at Dame Lucette Aldous Guildford saw a dinner to honour Australia’s premier retired Prima Ballerina, Dame Lucette Aldous AC, DSJ, D’Litt (Hons).

Guests, on Friday October 2nd, included members of the Royal Howes,Overseas who, League, in the whose absence Chairman in theis Vice State’s Prior, north Chevalier of Prior Anthony Jamie Edwards, was host. Dame Lucette’s international standing was underlined by the presence of special guest Sir William Heseltine, former

the Queen. Sir William proposed thePrivate Toast Secretary to Her Majesty, to Her Majestyas this occasion was used to mark HM’s A Christmas Miracle ‘Unbirthday’ as the pandemic had disallowed the usual Birthday Since 2012, a volunteer troupe of actors, musicians and Dinner. technicians have given their time to present a play to Grace was said by the Dean of raise funds for people experiencing homelessness. Chataway and Dame Lucette’s This year, in association with St A Christmas Miracle by Jenny , the Very Reverend Chris of the world’s leading ballerinas Howes, features a stunning considerable achievements as one George’s Cathedral, Theatre 180 ensembleDavis, and troupe. produced Choir by directorTony Howes. Dame Lucette was fundspresents for “Athe Christmas Veterans TransitionMiracle”, Sarah Menogue along with some of were related by Chevalier Anthony Centrea special in charity Jarrahdale. event They to raise are Appreciation by Sir William. Then, the only site in Western Australia followingpresented the with meal, a Certificate a beautifully of which accommodates homeless Perth’s finest performers: Stephen PitmanAdams, andAlinta Stephen Carroll, Sherwood. Rebecca Davis,Join Stuart us for Halusz,an inspiring Courtney and restored video of Dame Lucette, veterans. partnered by , and France,At Christmas Allied and 1914 German in the Christmas celebrations for 2020 also featuring Sir Robert Helpman soldierstrenches disregarded of World War their 1 in orders anduplifting celebrate evening the topower begin of your the in “Don Quixote”, was played. and laid down their arms for a human spirit. Nicholson.The evening Knights concluded and Dames with had a brief time of truce, singing carols The Veterans Transition Centre plannedvote of thanks to honour by Chevalier Dame Lucette Bob and exchanging greetings and https://www.rnrcentre.org/ will for some time, and were grateful gifts. The magic of the peace and use the funds to upgrade their goodwill message of Christmas duplexes which accommodate @ affected them all and created one homeless Veterans. that WA’s relatively few pandemic of the most memorable moments This is the time to support those restrictions finally allowed this. that supported us and experience Image: At Woodbridge House, from moment for humankind. @ left, Sir William Heseltine and Dame of their lives and a memorable Lucette Aldous “A Christmas Miracle”.

NOVEMBER 2020 9 SOVEREIGN COUNCIL SOVEREIGN COUNCIL MEETING

GRAND PRIOR VICTOR FEROS OAM GCSJ CMSJ MSSJ

In recognition of this special relationship, we were graced by Australasian Report the presence in our midst of three The Report of the Grand Prior, Grand Priory of senior-ranked members of the Australasia, Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaler to the Sovereign Council Meeting, Sovereign Master William Stein GCSJ MMSJ Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller Sovereign Order, HMEH Grand 17–19 September 2020 Bailiff Grand Commander Ian Your Most Eminent Highness, (San Francisco), HE Conventual Your Excellencies, Chevaliers, Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller (ACN Dames, Sisters and Brothers of which our Order of Saint John of HospitallerReid GCSJ MMSJ May Storrie(Vancouver) CBE GCSJ and in Saint John, distinguished lawful, independent entity which HE Conventional Bailiff Grand delegates, dear friends. recognises147 338 501) and was remains asserted loyal to tobe thea MMSJ (Glasgow), who paid an official address you at your Meeting of thevisit Sunshine to Australia and in Gold July Coasts, 2019 and Thank you for inviting me to 1st October 1963 Charter of his late Toowoombaattended formal and eventsMelbourne. at Brisbane, Australia – warmest wishes from Majesty, King Peter II of Yugoslavia. A series of consultations were theSovereign Grand PrioryCouncil. of Greetings Australasia, from the We adhere to the view that we also undertaken, seeking the Constitutionhave retained throughout. constitutionality In so Knights Hospitaller. with respect to the 1964 King Peter Order of Saint John of Jerusalem morally and at law, we continue in realisation of ultimate unification of ically structured according to asserting our chivalric authority, tothe family, Sovereign to internationality. Order and the Order Our Grand Priory is hierarch- John Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, in Australia, so restoring our Order withevery the respect Grand as Priory the Order of Australasia of Saint land,historical Victoria, convention, the Darling currently Downs, theThe request Order of was the thenestablished Prior of in Westerncomprising Australia five Priories and the (Queens- Sunshine In seeking to restore to our Malta,Australia, Professor in Brisbane Gaston in Tonna-1969 at Coast) with two Commanderies autonomous within the Order. Barthet MBE, father of our esteemed (Brisbane, the Gold Coast) attached Honorary Member of the Priory of to the Queensland Priory. “home” in Australia, a sense Queensland, HE Bailiff Emeritus afterand purpose considerable of “family”, research of and consultation,“internationality” following to our a Order,meeting Our membership comprises more Cross)René Tonna-Barthet MMSJ and we GCSJ,were honouredGCMSJ than 250 Knights and Dames. The (Gold Cross) CMSJ and Bar (Silver level has been held consistently over Brownin March and 2016 Bailiff in San William Francisco Stein thisthe last (2020) several calendar years. year Regrettably, owing to with HE Grand Commander Owen into thehave Queensland our special Club, guests in fromBrisbane the no Investitures have been held in Sovereign Order celebrate with us, ofand Understanding then in September was duly 2016 signed, in in Australia. COVID-19 restrictions. Cleveland, Ohio, a Memorandum on 6The July occasion 2019, our was 50th marked anniversary by We are in sound financial common origins of the Grand Priory the striking of a special medallion thehealth Pandemic and maintain and our a inabilitylevel of to ofwhich Australasia, acknowledged the Hospitaller the respective commemorating this signal fundraisecharitable asgiving, we would notwithstanding like. Addressing matters of internat- of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller,Knights, and founded the Sovereign in the UnitedOrder specialachievement, guests, distributed in kindred to spirit. all membersWe walk of withthe Order our Brothers and to our and instigation,ionality, some witnessed five years profound ago years ago, presently headquartered disengagementa course of events, in our not internationalof our States of America more than 100 This Memorandum of aSisters work in Saintprogress, John in in pursuit the Sovereign of our Knights Hospitaller. Necessary Understandingin Vancouver, Canada. committed our Order, as we continue our journey – changessetting as to an our Order Australian of Saint John Sickcoming and together, our Lords ever the mindful Poor. of our required by Australian law were respective Orders to develop a closer Victorcommitment Feros to Serve our Lords the formallyConstitution enacted, and Regulations as a consequence as relationship. This state of affiliation Grand Prior, Australasia @ was further confirmed in Tampere, OAM GCSJ CMSJ MSSJ Finland in 2018. 10 THE BULLETIN H.E. BAILIFF EMERITUS RENÉ TONNA-BARTHET GCSJ, GCMSJ, CMSJ & Bar, MMSJ

The following article is Part 2 of former Grand Conservator H. E. Bailiff Emeritus René Tonna-Barthet, discussing the validity of Tsar Paul 1 as the 71st Grand Master of the Order of St. John. Part 1 was published in the August 2020 Bulletin. a.d.), Pope Anasthasius IV (1153 a.d.) interPope aliaGregory “In case XIII of(1572 thy death,a.d.) and no Pope manUrban shall VIII take (1634 possession a.d.) and whichof thy placestate TSAR PAUL I as Chief and Master by underhand the essence of religious Knighthood. elected by the professed brothers, Four Criticisms aimed at Tsar Paul Professor Harrison Smith and subtlety or by violence, unless duly I,Continuing showing unacceptability the first part of of the his Bailiff Storace, in their book “The Grand Mastership, which although with the help of God…” Furthermore, is grudgingly accepted, and shown decreedby the decree that a of Grand Anasthasius Master hadIV (1153) to as de Facto, and not as de Jure. In my andDevelopment reasons why of the these Order four from points 1798 beand elected the Bull from of Urban amongst VIII his (1634) peers. both to 1970” quote a variety of historians This certainly could not be said of the

1)previous That not article, all langues I had countered were present the at are not valid criticisms. The answer thefirst Tsar’s of these election, criticisms, and namely: to this last point, was given by the Grand“Nomination” Master,Tomassi and Appointment” di Cortona, by 2) heTsar said himself “We do in nothis declarationpretend in any of 24th whichPope Pius appointment VII, of the was so-called carried 73rd be the head of a religious and Catholic November 1798, and specifically when after acceptance by Napoleon, and That a Schismatic Tsar could never without any semblance of an election We now come to the third point: whichdegree may as Emperor threaten of any all ofthe the Russias, Powers, 3)Order namely immediately that the Tsar subject was to only the anPope. to the smallest right or advantage wewhatsoever. must not lose sight of the political was Protector, and therefore was not a our Allies.” And whilst accepting the scenarioHaving of said Europe all the and above, indeed however, the Holy Honorary Grand Cross, even though he wereGrand inherent Mastership, in him he Juredid not Sanguinis divest See itself at that time. We know that The Treaty made and signed by accordinghimself of tothe International Sovereign Rights Law, whichand Napoleonic forces entered Tuscany on full member of the Order. “therefore whether as Protector or the behest of Pope Pius VI, and which Pius VI was carried out of Florence on wasGrand also Master signed De later Rohan by Polduc,Grand Master at theMarch 27th 25th of the 1799, same and month, after his and arrest, he theGrand proceedings Master, when were he ipso approved facto legal. his succumbed to his bad treatment and by the Tsar on the other, was a Treaty Furthermore,election, held onthese 7th proceedings November 1798, von Hompesch on the one side, and Pius VII was therefore elected against because as an autocrat, his rule was died on the way on 29th August, 1799. Ibetween was by alltwo rights Sovereigns, a full member (the Order of the became valid and legitimate, amongst whom are Peirreredon, was Sovereign) and consequently Paul this scenario, and several historians Fons Honorum in his own right. suchabsolute”(Harrison detailed examination Smith) has been Order,This quite counter apart argument that the demolishesTsar was a indulgedIt is to by me those unbelievable who want that to protect Poitvin and Harrison Smith, say that completely the rejection of Paul I as a Pius VII ordered that the validity of person who had no right to be elected ours, and in so doing detracting this “nomination” ought not to be Grand Master. It must also be pointed fromother the Orders, election whilst of Paul trying I and to destroywhich historiansexamined toopoint closely out that in view Pope of Pius the VI out that at that time Pope Pius VI, neitherevents of agreed the time. or disagreed Some of these with the was seeking some form of protection Pius VI himself. The Pope at that time election of Tsar Paul I, and certainly wasprocess under was, unimaginable finally, started stress by Popedue to and that is why the request was made against the invading forces of Napoleon, put up no objections, other than a very Catholicthe Napoleonic Church invasion and was of desperately Europe, and slight protest. In the archives of the to the Tsar in the first instance. It must lookinggrowing for influence some Protector against the who Roman byVenerable Edmund Order Frazer of andSt. John edited there by is a aalso position be obvious if he considered to all observers, possible that that could be strong enough to withstand Majordocument HA Balbi, “unpublished which deals Manuscript” with this histhe decisionTsar would to accept not have his accepted election couldsuch Napoleon, and which process was problem. It is stated therein that Pius be attacked and debated. VII had suggested that one must not be 4) The fourth criticism is that Paul Polduc. too critical of the norms and forms in I was a married man, and could finalisedIt must by also Grand not Masterbe forgotten de Rohan that this election by the Knights who went difficult times in reviewing the action therefore never have been the head of a from Malta, was according to the Bulls of September 1802. Pierre Varillon, in religious and Catholic Order and taken to Russia, after having been ousted his “L’Epopée de Chaevalierscontinued de pageMalte" 12 the vows of Poverty, Chastity and gives Pius VII’s specific language with Obedience, which have always been and decrees of Popes Paschal II (1113 NOVEMBER 2020 11 PRIORY OF QUEENSLAND VALE

Vale, Dame Benise Lady Killen many years through the Liberal Commonwealth Society, and golf. Dame Benise Lady Killen DSJ was Party,Benise St Johns came Cathedral, to share Jim’s the Royal born on September 26, 1946, and died on October 29, 2020. together they would be frequently at theinterest track. in and love of racing and Benise Killen was a lady in all senses of the word ... a Lady by Benise would say “My life with him They married in 2001 and as Killen and a lady of dignity and charmvirtue ofin herher marriageown right. to Sir James Australianswas deeply rewarding, will remember fulfilling him aseventful a great and orator most and entertaining”. raconteur. was from Samuel Johnson “A man “His death in 2007 left a hole in my shouldOne keepof her his favourite friendships quotations in Benise said in one of her speeches. Benise and I met as young heartHe whichleft her will a legacy never of be more replaced.” membersconstant repair”. of the Central And that Branch she did. of the Liberal Party in the early include The Sir James Killen 70s. Since then our paths crossed Foundation,community involvementthe Sir James which Killen constantly...through St Johns Debate, and the Sir James Killen Cathedral, the Queensland Irish Award for Excellence as part of the Association, the Ansett Golden work. But it was as secretary to the Moreton (Jim’s electorate) Australia Wings Lounge, and then Jim Killen State Manager of Ansett Airlines in Day Awards. She was a member of

Assistant when he was Minister for all her special skills of organisation Defence.for whom I had been Research andthe 80s hospitality that she and was her able qualities to combine of Britishthe Lady Empire Musgrave Association. Trust and on Born Benise Atherton, she grew elegance and grace. the Committee of the Order of the She set up the Golden Wing Club was one of the early students at Lounges in Brisbane, Sydney and promotedBenise wasto Dame invested of Grace in the on Order July up in Wavell Heights where she of St John@ on June 13, 2014 and only brother Geoff would become a Frequent Flyer lounges in Australia. doctorthe new and Wavell he and High his School. wife Christine Her Melbourne which were the first 5, Sallyanne 2019. Atkinson lounges. Benise’s career with Ansett wasOther to airlines last until followed the airline’s with collapsesimilar continued from page 11 caredTheir lovingly father for had Benise been athrough regard to ignoring these rules. Pierreredon and AF Artaud de Methodistthe months minister of her final and illness. theirs was Montor say that Pius VII, on the a strong Methodist family. Her early Facilities.in 2001, when she held the role of appointment of Tomassi, is stated to CustomerThrough Services these years Manager she Airport to be considered as if he had been contact with the life of service may ment. She was on the Committee of have said “that the candidate was have contributed to her strong continued her community involve- organisationscommitment to and community on committees invol- Friends of St John’s Cathedral, and these“elected” historians, by a general is of coursechapter a oftacit the vementAfter and school, roles she in helda variety a number of the Save the Children Fund, of the agreement,Order.” This that if true, the andwhole according process to of secretarial roles here and in Commonwealth Society. of this appointment was incorrect. Melbourne. As secretary to the HonoraryThere was Secretary fundraising of the forRoyal the Fashion Director of Myers she that the Pope is Fons Honorum in his Liberal Party and projects with the However it must also not be forgotten organised fashion parades and liaised with fashion agents.As own right, and he has every power secretary to surgeon Dr Arthur TraleeQueensland contest,where Irish Club. she One had of sharedthese to create validly and legally, his own theprojects judging was role the with Irish Sir Club’s James Rose of Orders, of which he has some three or in the Queensland Parliament, H.four, E. andBailiff of which Emeritus the Sovereign René Tonna- Miltary sheCrawford, assisted the with Member minor for surgical Wavell Benise had known Jim and his Barthet.Order of Malta GCSJ, (SMOM)GCMSJ, CMSJ is one. & Bar, procedures as well as his electorate Killen since 1996. MMSJ @

first wife, Joy,who died in 2000,for 12 THE BULLETIN