Over three days, from 18–20 September, 20 members, candidates and aspirants gathered at the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre in Brisbane for the North Eastern Australia Regional Retreat.

Led by Conventual Chaplain ad Honorem Archbishop Mark Coleridge, the retreat centred on the theme “Why the Poor Matter.”

Across five engaging and fast-moving presentations, Archbishop Mark invited participants to reflect on Scripture, from the Creation narrative through to the encounter on the Road to Emmaus. He explored the way the Bible challenges the status quo, repeatedly calling societies throughout history to turn away from the latest version of “Pharaoh” and return their focus to God.

This focus on God, Archbishop Mark reminded us, necessarily includes a focus on those whom God calls blessed: the poor and the sick — the very people whom the Order of Malta chooses to serve as our lords.

The retreat also provided an opportunity for personal reflection on our own vocation and response to God’s call. Cons. Rachel and Christine Pingle offered five short presentations exploring how each person is called to listen for God’s invitation, recognise how that call shapes their lives, and discern how they might respond.

A Retreat Extended in Prayer

Three members in Obedience extended their retreat by a further two days, following the encouragement contained for Members of the Second Class in the new Constitutional Charter and Code. This additional time provided an opportunity for deeper prayer, reflection and discernment as they continue to live out their vocation within the Order.

Australian Association Annual Retreats

The Order of Malta Australia hosts retreats annually in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne and Sydney, providing opportunities for members and the wider Order community to come together in prayer, formation and fellowship.

These retreats are open to members, aspirants, volunteers, spouses, family members and friends. Whether attending to fulfil a commitment to the Order or simply seeking an opportunity to deepen one’s faith through prayer, reflection and fellowship, everyone is encouraged and warmly welcomed to participate.

The Brisbane retreat was a reminder that the vocation of the Order is not simply something we undertake, but something we continually seek to understand and live more deeply. As we gather in prayer and turn our attention again to God, we are renewed in our call to serve our lords, the sick and the poor, with faith, humility and charity.