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 and Commanderies: Priory of the , Gold Coast, Investiture Sunshine Coast and Western Australia

THE PRIORY OF THE DARLING DOWNS

THE PRIORY OF VICTORIA

NOVEMBER 2016

Priory of the Darling Downs Investees and Elevations 2

Mother Teresa citation 3

Darling Downs Investiture 4-9

Siege of Malta Address 10-13

News from Victoria 13

News from the West 14

Sunshine Coast Siege of Malta Celebrations 15

Siege of Malta Celebrations in Brisbane 16 The bulletin EDITORIAL

The Editor’s desk Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ

Almost the end of the who call themselves Christians. It in the “Our Family, our Future” year! And we all say “Where has is especially a challenge to all publication earlier this month. it gone?” The fact is that soon we Knights and Dames, Serving Great credit is due to the Grand will be preparing for Christmas Brothers and Sisters, of our Order. Priory Council and especially to and all that it means to us. More For what is it that distinguishes our Grand Prior for their care in people swell the numbers in church our Order from any other effecting a satisfactory union with congregations on Christmas Eve charitable institution? There may the Sovereign Order of St John of and Christmas Day; for us an be Fons Honorum, Chivalry, and Jerusalem based in Vancouver. acknowledgement of our Christian Heraldry, but above all there is Mother, now Saint, Teresa of Faith, for some just the traditional Ecumenical Christianity. Calcutta was canonised by Pope thing to do, and for others it is just It is our adherence to and Francis on 4th September this year. an addition to the party they have practice of Christian principles She is a shining example of tending been attending. that will continue to be the Order’s to our lords the sick and our lords To such people and many others distinguishing mark. the poor. She was a member of our like them, the Church must seem to We need to keep it alive and not Order in Australia, being made be a dead or dying institution. The be caught dead. It is what people an Honorary Member in 1981. A outspoken Benedictine Nun, Sister will see in us and understand that reproduction of her Citation is on Joan Chittister says: “If religious we are not just another charitable page 3 opposite. life as we know it is dead, what do organisation. The Editorial Group join me in we want to be caught dead doing?” Our recovery of Internationality wishing all our readers a Happy Here is a challenge for all people has been reported extensively and Holy Christmas Season. @

The Priory of Investees and elevations The Darling Downs

Created a Knight of Honour Created a Dame of Honour Appointed a Knight of Grace Wayne Robert Anderson Sheena McCallum Liley Richard Stuart Browne Noel Patrick Cass Patricia Daphne Power Kerry John Costigan John Gregory Coates Roger Gordon Grigg The Grand Prior has been John Francis Minz Ross Charles Fraser OAM pleased to announce the Paul Matthew Munson Roderick Ian Maclean elevations in rank of Frederick Lewis Victor von Stieglitz the following Knights Appointed a Dame of Grace Gerard Alexander Tonks and Dames Donna Ann Fraser Jane Felicity Tait ‘The Bulletin’ is the official magazine of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Appointed a Dame of Justice Knights Hospitaller, Grand Priory of Australasia ACN 147 338 501 Susan Gillian Fox Correspondence printed by Appointed a Knight Commander Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ Heaneys: PerfORMERS in Print of Justice email: [email protected] 07 5539 4911 www.hpip.com.au Robert Clegg Kretchmann Jeffrey James Prebble OAM editorial group Roderick Paterson Stirling Chevaliers Charles Clark, Reverend Dr David Pitman, the Reverend Canon Appointed a Knight Grand Cross Emeritus Bruce Maughan (Prelate), of Justice: Robin Kleinschmidt, Garry Page, George Cameron Fox @ Dames Dawn Goodall and Donna Fraser and Serving Sister Leith Robinson.

2 THE BULLETIN Brisbane commandery mother Teresa Citation

Answering a call within a call

May she be your model of holiness.” Pope Francis cleared the way for Mother Teresa was a made an herand towas be beatified canonised in asOctober Saint Teresa2003. Honorary Member of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights The Pope spoke about Mother Hospitaller in Australia in 1981. She Mother Teresa ... a life of Teresa’sof Calcutta life on of Septemberservice in his 4, 2016 said she was honoured to become a service and a generous homily: “Mother Teresa, in all Member because she believed in the aspects of her life, was a generous ideals set by the Order. dispenser of divine mercy dispenser of divine mercy, making A reproduction of her citation herself available for everyone is shown below. The Grand Prior Mother Teresa was born in 1910, in through her welcome and defence Skopje, Macedonia. She was baptised of human life, those unborn and to the Vancouver Order when he as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. Eighteen- those abandoned and discarded. attendedpresented their a certified Investiture copy of this year-old Agnes Bojaxhiu decided to recently. @ become a nun and set off for Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin. It was there that she took the name Sister Mary Teresa after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Afterward she was sent to Calcutta, where she was assigned to teach at Saint Mary’s High School for Girls, a school run by the Loreto Sisters and dedicated to teaching girls from the city’s poorest Bengali families. Sister Teresa learned to speak she taught geography and history andboth dedicated Bengali and herself Hindi to fluently alleviating as the girls’ poverty through education. In 1946 she experienced her “call within a call”. She began an open-air school and established a home for the dying destitute in a dilapidated building she had convinced the city government to donate to her cause. In October 1950, she won canonical recognition for a new congregation, the Missionaries of Charity, which she founded with only a handful of Members – most of them former teachers or pupils from St. Mary’s School. In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. After several years of deteriorating health, in which she suffered from heart, lung and kidney problems, Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87,

November 2016 3 pRIORY OF THE DARLING DOWNS

Record nine invested at Darling Downs Priory

Chevalier Lewis von Stieglitz

Dame Trish Power

Chevalier Dr John Coates

From left: Chevalier Gerard Tonks, Chevalier Rod Maclean, Dame Sheena Liley, Investees 2016 Dame Trish Power, Prior Robert Kretchmann, Grand Prior Victor Feros, Chevalier Ross Fraser, Chevalier Noel Cass, Chevalier Lewis von Stieglitz, Chevalier Dr John Coates, Chevalier Wayne Anderson. 4 THE BULLETIN Investiture

Record nine invested at Darling Downs Priory

From left: Chevalier Gerard Tonks, Prior Robert Kretschmann, Darling Downs Priory Vice-Chancellor Jeff Prebble, Grand Prior Victor Feros.

From left: Chevalier Ross Fraser, Darling Downs Prior Robert Kretschmann, Dame Sheena Liley.

Dame Donna Fraser DSJ

A record investiture of nine Knights Teresa, a Member of our Order, Allucutionist, family and friends and Dames, including one to the as inspiration, example and were invited to be photographed Western Australian Commandery, embodiment of the ethos of the with the newly invested Knights made the Priory of the Darling Order in serving our lords the sick and our lords the poor: “Charity is Chevalier Mark Osborne. a memorable occasion. Testing not an option. It is an obligation”, andAt Dames the celebratory by official photographerInvestiture theDowns capacity 2016 ofInvestiture the historic Ceremony St he said, given expression in the Dinner in the adjacent Empire Stephen’s Church in , Vows made by every investee Church Theatre, new Knights the assembly entered in procession to the Order of Saint John of and Dames were introduced by to a stirring trumpet fanfare, to Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller. Chevalier Mike Horan, providing be welcomed by its Minister, the Readings were provided by illuminating background for Reverend Andrew Gillies. investee Ross Fraser and Dame the assembled gathering. Dame Judith Sloss. The Choir of St Sheena Liley responded on behalf Grand Priory of Australasia, Stephens with Cantor Kirsty of the Investees. Darling Downs TheThe Rev. Officiant, Canon Emeritus Prelate of the McTaggart was accompanied Prior Robert Kretchmann and Bruce Maughan introduced by Church organist Don Ross. Vice-Chancellor Jeff Prebble The Allocutionist, Chevalier Trumpeter Alan Skerman provided joined Grand Prior Victor Feros the Reverend Dr David Pitman, rousing Processional, Investiture Conventual Chaplain of the and Recessional fanfares. Investiture and Elevation for Priory of Queensland, who drew Knightsin presenting and Dames Certificates of the ofDarling on the recently canonised Saint the Grand Prior, Prior, Prelate and Downs Priory. @ November 2016 After official photographs with 5 Priory OF THE DARLING DOWNS Seige of Malta

At the investiture banquet

From left: Chevalier Charles Clark, Mrs Frances Clark, Chevalier Mike Browning, Mrs Jan Browning.

Back from left: Lyndal Brown, Ross Martyr, Nichola Martyr, Ailsa Cass, Ben Dampney; (front) Amy Dampney, Chevalier Noel Cass, Regan Cass, Luke Cass.

Above, from top: HE Bailiff Grand Prior Victor Feros presenting certificates to Prior Robert Kretchmann, Roderick Stirling AM, and Dr Jeffrey Prebble. Below: Chevalier Christopher Tait and Dame Dr Jane Tait.

From left: Fran Osborne, Chevalier Richard Browne, Mrs Karin Browne, Chevalier Russell Male, Diane Male. Priory of the Darling Downs Investees Downs Priory of Darling the Special thanks to Chevalier Mark Osbourne KSJ for all From left: Chevalier Merv Bond, Mrs Beverley Bond, Chevalier investiture photographs. George Kearney, Chevalier the Reverend Dr David Pitman.

6 THE BULLETIN Priory of The Darling Downs Investiture

Chevalier Wayne Anderson KSJ he was also a member of the Parish was born and educated in Council at St Augustine’s Church Toowoomba. He spent his youth on in Oakey. Wayne has managed the the family property in the Oakey family property since the age of district. At 17 years of age he joined Rural Youth. This experience his father. Wayne currently is a awakened his recognition of the director22 following of Arcadia the sudden Rural death which of importance of community service. produces a variety of crops under He went on to join Toowoomba irrigation. He also runs a grain Apex Club and was a member until storage business storing human- retiring at 40. He was elected consumption grain for export. He President in 1980/81 and is now has four adult children and nine grandchildren. years on the Toowoomba Royal Showa life member. Committee He andspent went some on 25 to be Vice President. During this time

Chevalier Noel Cass KSJ League, and Aged Care. is married to Regan and they Noel is a Director of the LGIA have four children and thirteen superannuation Board [17years] grandchildren who between them and a member of its Investment take up an inordinate amount of and Remuneration Committees, time. and sits on the Advisory Board for Noel spent 40 years working CWA House in Oakey. For many in Local Government, 34 of those years the family ran a free-range piggery at Biddeston where they in Councils based in Birdsville, still live. Noel also completed Boulia,years as Mitchell, a Chief Executive Longreach Officer and the two years National Service and completed a tour of Vietnam with In all these districts Noel was/ the 3 Batallion RAR. He lives in islast heavily 20 years involved in Oakey. in a range of the St. Monica’s Parish Oakey and community activities including attends St Patricks Cathedral in sporting clubs, Returned Services Toowoomba.

Chevalier Dr John Coates KSJ He has been the medical advisor graduated in Medicine from the for the Blue Nursing Committee and in Toowoomba, Chairman of undertook specialist training in the Queensland Faculty of the dermatology in Brisbane, Perth, College of Dermatologists (1991 Edinburgh and at Scrips Clinic in San Diego, California. of the Australasian College of Commencing private practice Dermatologistsand 1992), Director and onthe the Honorary Board in Toowoomba in 1980 he was Treasurer of the College of the Visiting Dermatologist at Toowoomba Base Hospital, He was awarded the Austral- teaching medical students, general asianDermatologists College of (2005Dermatologists to 2012). practitioner registrars and dermatology registrars. He is a the Australasian College Member of the American Academy ofMeritorious Dermatologist’s Award Rural (2009 and of Dermatologists and the American Dermatologist of the Year in Society for Dermatological Surgery. John practices full time as a private Dermatologist in Toowoomba. grandchildren.Australia (2016). John is married to Sally with four children and five

November 2016 7 Priory of The Darling Downs Investiture

Chevalier Ross Fraser KSJ OAM Dame Sheena McCallum Liley DSJ Chevalier Roderick Ian is Managing Director of his family holds a BA (Geography) (UQ), Grad Maclean KSJ company Frasers Livestock Dip Sec Studies (Canberra) and a was born in Clermont and educated Transport. Based in Warwick with BLaws (Hons) (QUT). Her careers at Rockhampton Grammar School depots in Rockhampton, Roma, in university administration, as a and then at the Church of Goondiwindi and Toowoomba, family lawyer, and manager of a England Grammar School (Shore). Frasers operate across the eastern All his working life revolved states. interest in youth development and around the Beef Cattle Industry. familylocal counselling violence prevention. office reflect her After jackarooing, he became an Medal of the Order of Australia in Sheena helped re-establish Save overseer and then manager at an recognitionIn 2009 Ross of input was to awarded Australian a the Children in Toowoomba in Eidsvold property, Coonambula, road transport through leadership 1996, holding executive positions for 10 years. He was involved of industry sector organisations with the branch and supporting its with many Eidsvold Community and in advisory capacity to local Thrift Shop. Show and Race day activities and government and service industries. She has been honoured with Life President of the Eidsvold Santa He considers his chairmanship of Membership of Save the Children Breeders Association. He moved to peak industry body the Australian Australia and a Queensland Law the Darling Downs in 1974, where Trucking Association a highlight of Society Community Lawyer award. he was General Manager of Kerwee more than 50 years in the industry. With a life-long involvement in Ross plays a key role in family the performing arts, Sheena has Rod has been involved with grazing and property interests. served as a Director of Empire localPastoral school, Co. church,for 23 years. and charity In his community, he is a Director Theatres Pty Ltd since 1999 and is functions, being President of the of Warwick Credit Union Ltd and its Deputy Chair. Big S Santa Group and committee Glengallan Homestead Trust Ltd, Now in ‘retirement’, she also man and Vice President of the a Member of Warwick Chamber chairs the Theatre’s Foundation Toowoomba Royal Show. of Commerce and Warwick Turf which supports young local He has had a very keen interest Club, for which he served as Judge performers, sings with the in all aspects of the Beef Industry Toowoomba Vocal Ensemble, is and has judged Stud Beef Cattle Warwick Show & Rodeo Society. associated with several other of all breeds and Prime Cattle at for He25 isyears, currently and a presidentLife Member of The of community groups, and worships Royal Shows in Australia and New Warwick Club, a Member of the at St Stephen’s Uniting Church. Zealand. Brisbane Club and The Queensland Sheena was born in Toowoomba, Now retired in Toowoomba he Club. living in the city most of her life. enjoys golf and tennis and attends Ross has four adult children and She and her husband John have two church at St Lukes. Rod and his two step-daughters. His wife, Dame children and four grandchildren wife Jane enjoy time with their Donna Fraser DSJ, was invested to two children and their families, including six grandchildren. the Order in 2008. 8 THE BULLETIN Priory of The Darling Downs Investiture

Dame Trish Power DSJ Chevalier Lewis von Chevalier Gerard Tonks KSJ was born on Kangaroo Island Stieglitz KSJ is a Chartered Accountant and and grew up in country South was born in Canberra and moved Chartered Secretary, retired since Australia. An accomplished sports to Toowoomba when he was 11 woman, she went on to study years of age. came to Australia with his family Human Movement Studies at the After completing schooling at in2010. 1950 He at was the bornage of in seven. England He and University of Qld, with a special Toowoomba Grammar School, he was educated at Aquinas College interest in women and girls’ health. studied at the University of New in Perth and graduated from the In her career as Queensland’s England, graduating Bachelor WA Institute of Technology (now of Arts with Honours in Ancient Curtin University), with Bachelor History and Masters of Business in Business. Learningfirst female Communities National Fitness she worked Administration. Professional Accounting took Officer and later a leader of Lewis is the CEO of the Warwick him to banking for ten years, of girls participating in all aspects Credit Union. He is the President working for an international oftirelessly life. In herpromoting professional the benefits life of the Warwick Chamber of she encouraged all with whom Commerce and a member of the London, then to Management she worked to seek a high level of Rotary Club of Warwick. Accountingfirm in Perth, in Portthe live Moresby theatre and wellness. He is a Warden at St Mark’s business in Pitlochry, Scotland, She owned and operated one Anglican Church, a member of and back in Perth, WA. He worked the Warwick Club and the Royal in the Western Australian mining centres in Toowoomba and after Society of St George. herof the retirement first Swimming from Education, and Fitness He is married to Clare McHugh in partnership with a colleague, von Stieglitz and they have three practiceindustry in for Kalgoorlie, 20 years, includingand has been opened an Educational Supplies children: James, Morgan and Peter. five years in his own accountancy Business in Rockhampton. exploration public companies Trish has connected with CompanyGerard Secretaryhas lectured for in five mining the communities in which she Did you know? Management Accounting at two universities. Through the Catenian has lived through sport and The Christian Community celebrates the Feasts of the birth Association, Gerard is involved in says that the time volunteering and death of only three significant Faith support and development service. Reflecting on her life she people.They are Our Lord Jesus programs for Catholic secondary with the Rosie’s Friends on the Christ, Mary his mother, and Saint Streets program on the Gold Coast John the Baptist; his importance in schools. He facilitates philosophy was the most challenging and Christianity is very significant. discussion groups and tutors at the rewarding experience. We are extremely fortunate to be Kalamunda Community Learning known as the Order of Saint John Trish lives in Pittsworth with of Jerusalem (the Baptist). Centre. Gerard has been married for her husband, Michael. From Chevalier Vincent Gatt KCSJ, 36 years to Carmel, and they have a Victoria. married daughter, Emily. @

November 2016 9 Brisbane commandery Siege of Malta address

Revealing parallels to today’s international situation Address at the Brisbane Siege of Malta Luncheon Robin Kleinschmidt OAM KSJ 16 September, 2016

Eleventh of September Leap forward 450 1565, precisely 451 years questions I want to leap forward years to the present 450To years find toa partial the present answer day. to those in the past from today. day. Let us take a brief Let us take a brief glimpse at a glimpse at a few of few of the current pressure points - in international relationships. the current pressure In the news has been the The vast fleet of the Ottoman Sul points in international international response, and andtan, makesSuleiman its thedeparture Magnificent, from the relationships especially Australia‘s response, seasabout around 200 vessels, Malta. weighs On board anchor are to the Chinese claim to territorial the remnants of the 30,000 troops sovereignty over the South who had attacked and besieged the to withdraw was based on an China Sea. There have been island 16 weeks earlier with the error. At a time when the Ottoman mixed reactions, ranging from clear expectation of a complete and army were dispirited, restless, rapid victory. worn down by illness and battle opposition through expressions Despite their reinforcement by casualties, a key Ottoman position ofthe neutrality, majority responseand even ofguarded firm 10,000 reserves from North Africa, had been attacked by a small force they have failed to dislodge the of Christian knights and their of the ruling of the International Hospitaller Knights of St John of troops with such ferocity that the Court.support Economic for the Chinese considerations, defiance Jerusalem, the Knights of Malta, enemy believed them to be the trade relationships, the size a mere 500 in number supported troops of the relief force of 8,000 of the Chinese economy and by 1000 soldiers, and 3,000 local soldiers expected from Sicily. its importance to Australia as militia with little training and no The military leaders, fearing that a trading partner may have military experience. The precise their troops would be no match for a fresh new army, decided to Chinese actions. source to source, and in some withdraw. conflictedIn the Middle the opposition East over to the the past reportsfigures areare unclear,clearly exaggerated. vary from It was a splendid victory for twenty years the intervention of But the fact remains that a the Knights Hospitaller and their the coalition of the willing, NATO small beleaguered force of knights inspirational Grand Master, Jean de and other nations has sought and local residents withstood the La Valette, a triumph of courage, to confront cruel and violent of persistence, of military skill, dictatorships and fundamentalist trained and well-disciplined force and of faith. It had implications far threats to the whole world, but manymost horrific times larger, onslaught and in by doing a highly so beyond that one time and that one especially to the west, while the changed the course of European excesses of the regime in Saudi history. heirs of those men of valour and Arabia have gone unchecked. faithvictory, and and charity, it is fitting should that continue we, the In the background to these to honour them and to celebrate responses is always the quiet triumvirateIt is an undignified of Ottoman retreat. leaders, their achievements 450 years later. rumble of accusation that the Turut Reis, the first among the But why had the failed siege security and the price of oil The two surviving naval and militaryhas lost his leaders, life in Piyale the conflict. Pasha What had caused Sultan Suleiman any concern for military threats, and Mustafa Pasha, will have to tobeen set instituted out on the in enterprise the first place? of inhumanesupplies may oppression be as influential or religious as endure the wrath of the Sultan for dislodging the Knights of Malta fundamentalism. their catastrophic failure. To add from their fourth home in 500 What has all this to do with to the humiliation, the decision years? the Siege of Malta? Let us take

10 THE BULLETIN Brisbane commandery Siege of Malta address

the Barbary corsairs and making million subjects. He was the head ofestimated the greatest at between empire 20in theand world 30 which by this time was engaged in in his time, but he coveted more. them de facto a part of his fleet, In the west his drive for Charles V of Spain for domination territorial expansion took him offierce the Mediterranean.competition with Ottoman Emperor both into eastern Europe and naval raids and licensed piracy into the Mediterranean Sea. On were directed mainly, but not exclusively, against Spain, Spanish victories gave him control of the traders and Spanish territory. Balkansland he took and Belgradesouthern inHungary. 1521. His From every direction the pincers were closing in around Malta. The Knights of St John of outsideHis advance the walls was finallyof Vienna. halted Jerusalem had ended their eight Hein 1529 returned when to he Hungary suffered and defeat years of homelessness after the expanded and consolidated his departure from Rhodes when in hold there. 1530 Emperor Charles V granted them the island of Malta under the Knights of St John when he several conditions. They were Robin Kleinschmidt OAM KSJ besiegedBy sea their he first stronghold encountered on to defend it from incursion and Rhodes and captured the fortress attack, to control the Barbary a quick look at the situation in pirates, and to establish an outpost the Mediterranean region in the their splendid bravery, he was in Tripoli. decades prior to that historic magnanimousin 1522. Full of in admiration negotiating for There was therefore a bond a truce. He promised no and a mutual loyalty between the interesting and revealing parallels. desecration of Christian churches Knights and Spain, strengthened conflict.Suleiman We shallassumed find thesome or enslavement of the local by their shared opposition and sultanate of the Ottoman Empire population. The Knights were free antipathy to the Ottomans. The to leave their island home with Knights developed a strong naval until the year after the Siege of their portable possessions, their force which dampened the attacks Malta.in 1520 He and presided ruled for over 46 ayears Golden records, sacred vessels, relics and of the Barbary corsairs and Age of the Empire, marked by other religious objects, and any of also made successful attacks on advances in law and education. the people of Rhodes who chose to Ottoman vessels, capturing almost Islamic culture achieved its accompany them were permitted 50 vessels and on one occasion pinnacle. He himself was a poet, to leave peaceably. He even taking hostage close family a skilled goldsmith, and a patron provided them with additional members of Suleiman himself. of cultural activities. But the ships to carry away all their people Jean de La Valette was admiral of obverse of this side of his nature and property. It was an atypical was in stark contrast. He was also generosity which he later came to Master. ruthless and brutal in his personal regret. thisThe fleet Ottoman prior to incursion becoming into Grand dealings, giving orders for the Europe by land had been thwarted death by strangulation of two at Vienna, but there was another sons and four grandsons after an From every direction route, what later came to be called unsuccessful uprising. the pincers were the soft underbelly of Europe, An avid admirer of Alexander through Italy, Venice and western the Great, he rivalled him in his closing in around France. Only the Knights of St John lust for power and territorial Malta at Malta obstructed their way. expansion. His naval power Their attacks on Suleiman’s ships expanded into the Indian Ocean, In North Africa he defeated where he battled the Portuguese the Barbary States in the 1530s to him that he described them as a for dominance. His power to the and annexed their territories, “nestwere alsoof vipers”. such a thorn in the flesh east extended as far as modern including the cities of Tunis and The capture of Malta and the Indonesia. The population of Tripoli, and extended his control expulsion of the Knights would his zone of imperial control was of the inland sea by protecting continued following page

November 2016 11 Brisbane commandery Siege of Malta address

continued from page 11 generated by engaging in warfare then. There really is nothing new remove a major naval aggravation against the Ottomans. under the sun. and an impediment to territorial The Italian states, which The Knights were the sons expansion, allowing the island to perhaps had the most to lose, of the noblest families of those become an ideal launching pad were sympathetic but unwilling to European nations, but they placed for a sea borne assault on Sicily risk the antipathy of the greatest the defence and honour and unity and Italy on the way into Europe. world power of the day. The Pope of the Order above any national and the Vatican States gave verbal or familial loyalty. The siege the Mediterranean Sea into an support and encouragement, but itself witnessed exceptional acts OttomanIts capture lake. would finally convert much needed practical help did not of personal courage, of religious eventuate. not only for their home of thirty inspirational leadership. It was So the Knights were fighting Economic alsodevotion, the scene of selfless of some sacrifice, of the of history of forced eviction must imperatives, trade vilest acts of violence, savagery, five years even though their inhumanity, brutality and bitter defence. They were also being true alliances and retribution. tohave a condition motivated of them their totenure a fierce there, opportunities, fear of But its conclusion on 11th and they were protecting Europe military power and September 1565 not only itself from Ottoman incursion. The preserved Malta as the home of continent was vulnerable, riven by territorial ambitions the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. decades of religious and political are as powerful It closed the Islamic pathway today as then. into Europe and so re-set the have relied upon strong and course of European history. unquestioningconflict. Surely assistance the Knights and could England and the German states Suleiman’s day was done. The support from the great European were protected from the potential victory demonstrated that the powers. It was not to be so. dangers by the geographical buffer naval and military might of the The Knights and Charles V of of southern Europe, although the great Ottoman Empire was not Spain were natural allies. Ottoman young Queen Elizabeth was keenly raids had already been made aware of the risks. She wrote, “If loss since Vienna. on Spanish home territory. Yet the Turks were to prevail against invincible,Grateful suffering rulers in itsEurope, first major Charles provided only half-hearted the isle of Malta, it is uncertain including the Pope, found it easier support. He sent provisions from what further peril might follow to to provide money than military Sicily in preparation for the siege, the rest of Christendom.” support. In the years after the but the troops which he promised After the siege was lifted siege, they donated huge amounts from Sicily were long delayed. she decreed special services of of money and other resources Only 600 arrived before the thanksgiving to be held in all to the Order for its rebuilding of siege began, and a further 8,000 English churches daily for two Malta. (half the promised number) weeks. But the prospect had not Grand Master de La Valette arrived just as the Ottomans moved her to send assistance set in train the planning and were withdrawing eastward when it was desperately needed. construction of the new city which in defeat. France was a strong bears his name, but lived only trading destination and partner later, despite the growth of long enough to see the foundation of Ottoman merchants, and was constitutionalFour hundred democracy and fifty andyears stone laid. Suleiman swore to reluctant to jeopardise that status. the development of nation states, avenge the defeat by launching No help was forthcoming from that the motivations and responses another assault under his personal quarter. to national threats among our leadership, but he also died in nations today are comparable 1566 while conducting another maritime trading power to those which confronted campaign in Hungary. So passed whoseVenice frustration was a significant and anger at the Knights in 1565, and even the two great leaders of the marauding Ottoman ships were predictable. historic struggle. counterbalanced by the rich trade Economic imperatives, trade The political, religious and which its merchants carried out alliances and opportunities, fear ideological struggle went on. And it in the Levant. It would not place at of military power and territorial has re-emerged in our own times. risk the wealth which that trade ambitions are as powerful today as continued page 16

12 THE BULLETIN priory of victoria news

Siege of Malta celebrated in St Paul’s The Priory of Victoria celebrated Cathedral, Melbourne its Siege of Malta commemoration by attending the Choral Communion Service in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, at 10.30am

Dames,on Sunday Serving 25th September.Brothers and SistersApproximately attended the 25 service Knights, wearing robes and neck jewels. The Prior, Chevalier Graham Michalanney KCSJ, read the First Lesson. The service was followed by lunch at the RACV Club.

New Serving Sisters and Serving Brother in Victoria family and friends of the Investees. after the Council Meeting of Margaret Scott was also to have theOn Saturday,Victorian 6thPriory, August Susan 2016, been inducted, but was unable to Michalanney and Maureen Gatt attend due to her sister’s sudden were inducted into the Order as passing on the previous day. Serving Sisters and Henry Bellamy She was made a Serving Sister as a Serving Brother. in a ceremony on Saturday, 3rd It was a special service and in September, at the Priory Council some instances, was attended by meeting.

Top left: Outside the Cathedral with the Dean of St Paul’s Above: Entering for the service Lunch at the RACV Club

Left to right: Prior Graham Michalanney KCSJ, Serving Sister Maureen Gatt SSSJ, HE Bailiff Emeritus Anthony Bailey GCSJ CMSJ, Serving Sister Susan Michalanney SSSJ, Serving Brother Harry Bellamy SBSJ

November 2016 13 Commandery of western australia news

Chevalier anthony Howes KCSJ News from the West

As Knights and Dames up a WA Commandery Website to in the West emerge enable the public to know more of the ‘whys and wherefores’ of from the coldest winter our Order, and to provide a simple and spring in many and direct method for the public years, we are feeling to book for fund-raising activities and the like. energised by the ideas The group is a multi-talented and activities generated section of our Commandery, Above: Chevalier Anthony Howes by various members of and under Chevalier Ray’s KCSJ, Co-Vice Commander and guidance, is concerned that Herald, WA Commandery, with the Commandery. Grand Priory Chancellor George Kearney, at the Western Australia non-threatening method of Investiture earlier this year. I was also uplifted by an awe- informationthe website isand a dignified contact, bothand inspiring visit to Malta and Gozo for Knights and Dames and the where I was able to stand and general public. They are not their services, including husband gaze upon the multi-coloured rushing the organisation of the and wife thespian team Jenny graves-sites of the Knights in the website, but examining all aspects Davis and Bernie Davis, their incredibly ornate Co-Cathedral of of its construction and use. It is daughter Rebecca Davis, her St John; and to walk where St Paul husband Stuart Halusz (the was imprisoned; something I shall Website up and running. Associate Director of Black Swan never forget. hopedOne that of the early major 2017 fund-raisers will see the State Theatre Company) and their During September, the quiet in the West for the past four 11 year old son Oliver, as ‘Tiny dignity of the services held in years has been “A Dickens of Tim’. Organist Stewart Smith will St George’s Cathedral in Perth a Christmas” (the story of “A be joined by the RAS Perth Brass to commemorate the Beheading Christmas Carol”, interwoven with Ensemble, who, with foremost of our Patron, and the Lifting of seasonal music) which is usually Perth singers, will also lead the the Siege of Malta, allowed us to staged some ten days before audiences in favourite carols. always be the driving force of has been changed to the historic go to assist the homeless of Perth there-affirm Order our– under faith God in what to give must of parishChristmas. church For in 2016 Claremont, the venue Christ andAs Fremantle. always, the Bookings entire profits are with ourselves in the service of our Church. Trybooking.com lords sick and our lord’s poor. As its director, I can safely say For those in Perth, or from The powerful sermon delivered that the change has stimulated interstate, thinking of attending, by our Chaplain, Chevalier the new ideas, which, when coupled please direct enquiries to the Reverend Ken Williams, at the with many of the established ones, ‘Siege’ service challenged us all to has re-charged the production continue this service as we have admirably. Christ Church seats Parish Office at Christ Church on we(08) always 9384 9244.say of Tickets“A Dickens are of$25 a ways to expand that service in the maintain the numbers we usually Christmas”adults and $20 – it allis both concessions. a gift for As future.done in the past, and to find new attractsome 250 – between comfortably, 400 and so, to500 – others and one for yourself. It was with the future in there will be two presentations on To Knights and Dames and mind that a small group, under associates throughout Australia, the guidance and inspiration of Commander Jamie and all of the Chevalier Raymond Gianolli KSJ, Sunday,Again, December some of Perth’s 11: the leading first at WA Commandery wish you a are meeting to research and set professional2.30 pm and talentthe second have atdonated 7 pm. happy and holy Christmas. @

14 THE BULLETIN Sunshine Coast Commandery Siege of Malta

Chevalier Commander Mel Tipper KCSJ Robes and decorations were worn. Following an inspiring Church Parade and Service, the small number, those not overseas, on Drought appeal concert holidays or otherwise engaged, prepared the Church and Hall for the Cup Cake Concert. after Siege celebrations An “outback style” lunch of Beefy’s Meat Pies was enjoyed by members and spouses in between the Church Parade and Concert. A full house then enjoyed an afternoon of popular music provided by the Sunshine Coast Concert Band and their vocalists under the direction of Ken Chadwick OAM. Numerous guests indicated how much they enjoyed the afternoon, and were looking

Concert. forward to the 2017 Cup Cake

for Doorthe Commandery’s tickets and raffle chosen ticket Charitysales brought – The inWestern about $5,000Queensland The Sunshine Coast Commandery Knights and Dames with their Drought Appeal. @ combined the solemnity of the spouses attended the 10.15 am Siege of Malta celebration and service in St Mark’s Anglican Above, left to right: the entertainment of their annual Church, Buderim, conducted by Denise Phipps, Melanie de Wet, Cup Cake Concert in the one day, the Parish Priest, Chevalier the Dame Vicki Stewart DSJ, Kathy Sunday, 11th September. Venerable Jeremy Greaves KSJ. Musgrave, Bette Tipper. Honorary Member of Queensland Priory

H E Grand Dame Rhoda the Sovereign Council but being Lady Macquarrie GCSJ MMSJ disillusioned by its unconstitutional has accepted Honourary Membership of the Priory of accountability, exactly the same as Queensland at the invitation foroperation the Grand and Priory lack of of financial Australasia, of Grand Priory Chancellor they both resigned from the Order. and Queensland Prior, George Sir Albert passed away in Kearney. January this year. Lady Macquarrie Dame Rhoda, together with has taken up her membership of the her husband, H E Bailiff Emeritus Order with the Vancouver group in Sir Albert Macquarrie GCSJ CMSJ, Scotland. were staunch members, each The Priory of Queensland is having been sometime Prior, privileged and honoured to have a of the Priory of St Margaret’s close association with her. She and friends and supporters of our Order of Scotland. Both had seats on her late husband have been good in Australia for many years. @

November 2016 15 Brisbane Commandery Siege of Malta

Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ Brisbane honoured the end of the 1565 Siege

bear much fruit; apart from me Christian witness and service look you can do nothing’, commented: like in our community. “These words of our Lord speak Do we know or recognise powerfully to us today. European examples that are worthy of Sunday 11th September civilisation and culture are under praise? How can we be leaders in was the date selected by siege. The terrorist efforts of this? In a Christian culture under Muslim fanatics receive banner siege what are wise responses?” Brisbane Commandery to headlines...Nevertheless I believe Sixty Members of the Order and celebrate the Lifting of the that the forces of secularism, or their guests attended the service, Siege of Malta in 1565. even indifference, are far greater then went to the nearby St Lucia threats to Christendom. Golf Club for an enjoyable lunch The function comprised a service Adherence to the Christian and social occasion. in Christ Church Anglican Church, faith is diminishing in the West. Guests of the Commandery St Lucia, followed by luncheon in Christian worship, participation in were the Rector of Christ Church, the nearby St Lucia Golf Club. Christian rites, knowledge of the Fr Michael Faragher and his The service of readings, Holy Bible and understanding of wife Rhonda. Chevalier Robin prayers and hymns, was the Faith are all in decline in our Kleinschmidt gave us much to devised and conducted by the country. think about in his address at the Commandery Chaplain, Chevalier Humanly speaking, the lunch. The address is reproduced, Bishop Emeritus Noel Noack existence of the Christian faith in beginning on page 10. @ GCHSJ who, in a brief homily, the West appears in irreversible based on the text, ‘I am the vine, decline.” Chevalier Bishop Noel From left: you are the branches. If you urged us to “engage in discussion Dame Benise Lady Killen, John Brooks, remain in me and I in you, you will and comment on what we think Helen Barton and Chevalier Ian Russell continued from page 12 territory, another bastion to sceptical, religiously neutral, and defend. We live in a country which where the voices hostile to the Knights Hospitaller at Malta prides itself on its democratic Christian faith are ever louder, defendedOne final their observation. island home The for values, which is by choice and by many reasons. One was their in their opposition. undertaking to Emperor Charles V extent multi-lingual, and certainly moreHow strident can we and as anmore Order confident of that they would resolutely defend multi-faith.definition multi-cultural, As Christian Knights to some Christian Knights and Dames their new territory of Malta. They and Dames we represent to our mount a defence against this more did so with incredible strength community and our society one subtle but even more dangerous and courage and at great important aspect of the Christian assault? faith which we espouse. Does it not behove us, in the number survived, and those were In our service to our lords the face of this attack, to defend the almostsacrifice. all Fewerseverely than wounded half their or sick and our lords the poor we are faith by striving to show clearly, permanently disabled. giving expression and witness by our program and our acts of We, the Knights and Dames to our Christian faith under the charity and mercy, that the God banner of our patron, St John the whom we love and honour and are not called upon to make such Baptist, John of Jerusalem. worship is one whose central word Hospitaller of the 21st century, We exist in a society which is to us in Christ is also an act and a territory, but we have another increasingly secular, spiritually message of grace and mercy? @ sacrifices to defend geographical

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