A message from our new National Hospitaller
Pictured: Our new National Hospitaller, John Murphy, distributing the Order’s Coats for the Homeless, with volunteers in Melbourne.
As a group we are doing wonderful work with marginalised and isolated people in cities all around our country with various initiatives. We have the opportunity now to evaluate our current offerings, extend our most effective programs and create new ones. The aim is to have greater numbers of our members serving those in need with direct assistance.
Gradually in the coming years we must endeavour to increase the number of projects that are created and driven by the Order. Projects that have a direct impact and give our members the opportunity to be face to face with those they serve.
Australia is known as the ‘Lucky Country’ for a myriad of different reasons including freedom of speech, opportunities, standard of living and social support for those disadvantaged. This doesn’t mean that we are a nation free of poverty or hardship, it just means we have to look a little harder and move a little closer to see those in need. These include the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society such as the elderly, the sick, the handicapped, the poor and the homeless
Our influence as Hospitallers also has an impact outside of Australian borders. We will be hosting the Asia Pacific Camp for youth with disabilities in 2020. The work at our Clinic in Dili, Timor-Leste continues. We will be looking to grow our annual Lourdes Pilgrimage hosting malades to where Mary appeared to Bernadette 61 years ago.
I am delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the National Hospitaller for Australia. I am following in the footsteps of some wonderful members of the Order and will be drawing on their advice and wisdom as we commence working with the new executive.
John Murphy