On Saturday, 27 June 2026, members of the Order of Malta in South Australia gathered for their annual Morning of Reflection at the Bethany Centre, part of the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Kensington, Adelaide.

Managed by the Sisters of St Joseph, the Bethany Centre provided a peaceful and welcoming environment for prayer, reflection and fellowship, reflecting the Josephite spirit of hospitality.

The morning commenced with the celebration of Mass alongside the Sisters of St Joseph. Mass was celebrated by the Order’s Chaplain, Fr Allan Winter, who led the community in prayer and set a reflective tone for the day.

Following morning tea, Fr Allan delivered a reflection on the Nativity of St John the Baptist, inviting participants to consider John’s humility, courage and unwavering faithfulness. His reflection highlighted that John’s life was centred entirely on Christ rather than himself, offering a powerful model of Christian discipleship.

Drawing on the example of St John the Baptist, members reflected on the Order of Malta’s own call to Christ-centred service—one grounded not in recognition or personal achievement, but in trust, faithfulness and a willingness to prepare the way for the Lord.

Fr Allan’s retreat notes further reinforced that the vocation of Knights, Dames and volunteers is not to seek personal recognition, but to make Christ visible through their witness and service. By defending the faith and serving Our Lords the Sick and the Poor, members are called to live out the Order’s mission with humility, compassion and love.

The Morning of Reflection provided an opportunity for spiritual renewal and reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to serving the Catholic Church and those most in need. Inspired by the example of St John the Baptist, participants were encouraged to make room for Christ in their words, actions and daily lives as they continue their mission of humble service.