Members of the Order of Malta Australia travelled to Adelaide on 11 and 12 September for the Investiture of Archbishop Patrick O’Regan as a Conventual Chaplain ‘ad honorem’ of the Order of Malta.

The visit brought together members, chaplains, aspirants and friends of the Order for a weekend of fellowship and celebration, while also marking an exciting period of growth for the Order in South Australia.

The delegation included members of the Executive Committee John Murphy, Daniel Kwok and Neville Zammit, together with the Regent, Prof David Kissane, and representatives of the Order’s leadership.

The weekend commenced with a dinner hosted by the Southern Central Regional Hospitaller, Noel Mifsud, bringing together approximately 20 members and friends of the Order. Among those attending were Magistral Chaplain Fr Allan Winter, prospective Magistral Chaplain Fr Christopher Matala, Ambassador Michael Mann, three young aspirants and a candidate for membership.

The following morning, Archbishop O’Regan’s Investiture took place during the 11am Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Adelaide. The Mass was concelebrated by the Principal Chaplain of the Subpriory, Bishop Terence Curtin, together with Fr Allan Winter and Fr Christopher Matala.

The Investiture formally welcomed Archbishop O’Regan into the spiritual life of the Order and recognises his commitment to the Church and to the Order’s charism of tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum — the defence of the faith and service of the poor and sick.

Following the Mass, members and guests gathered for afternoon tea in the Cathedral Hall, hosted by Aida Joseph, Assistant to the Archbishop, and Belinda Fusco, Director of Archdiocesan Events.

The occasion was an important milestone for the Order in Adelaide, bringing together the Order’s members and friends while highlighting the growing interest in its mission and vocation.

The presence of new aspirants, a candidate for membership and prospective new chaplain reflects an exciting new phase for the Order in the Southern Central Region. The development of these vocations will help strengthen the Order’s spiritual and hospitaller mission in South Australia and across the region.

The Order of Malta Australia extends its warmest congratulations and welcome to Archbishop Patrick O’Regan and its sincere thanks to Noel Mifsud for his leadership and organisation of the weekend, as well as to all those who contributed to making the occasion such a memorable celebration.

The Investiture was not only a celebration of Archbishop O’Regan’s new role within the Order, but also a sign of the growing community of faith, service and fellowship that continues to develop in Adelaide.