Fr Morgan Batt illuminates the Order of Malta’s seminal Manual of Spiritual Accompaniment
On 29th January 2022, Magistral Chaplain Fr Morgan Batt, warmly known as Padre, led the sixth session of “An Hour of Reflection with a Chaplain”, illuminating the Order’s new Manual of Spiritual Accompaniment.
National President Justice James Douglas, Subpriory Regent Professor David Kissane, and over 30 Order of Malta Members, Candidates and friends shared Padre’s reflection, harmonising the 8 Beatitudes symbolised through the 8 points of the Maltese Cross.
Padre contextualised the Order’s 1000-year spiritual charism “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum / Defence of the Faith and Service of the Sick and Poor” as a daily, living witness to our Roman Catholic faith.
Padre encouraged all to reflect upon the humility of the Emmaus motif as we deepen our spiritual closeness with Christ through accompaniment with fellow Members, Candidates and friends.
Padre gently cautioned that Spiritual Accompaniment must not stray into asserting one’s own lens or agenda, but rather remain rooted in a shared, symbiotic journey of discoveries, drawing all involved deeper into their understanding and love of God.
Padre encourages an empathic recognition that the journey of Spiritual Accompaniment reflects a sharing of Holy Ground, each must be respectful of one’s personal dialogue with God.
The journey may help the companions to ask questions or probe deeper into enunciating a personal encounter with Christ.
Through recognising Christ in each other, we can safeguard against straying into condescension through charity, but rather share respectful solidarity and helpfulness where welcome by people in need, while experiencing mutual spiritual enrichment through Christ.
The Order of Malta Australian Association’s Manual of Spiritual Accompaniment embodies a seminal milestone in the nurture of Spiritual Formation, with deep appreciation to all contributors, notably Fr Morgan Batt, Andrew Druzynski, Dr Jennifer Dunlop, Prof Stephen Gatt, Malcolm Hart, Loretta Higgins, Prof David Kissane, Daniel Kwok, Bishop Danny Meagher, Noel Mifsud, Lady Janette Murray, Maria Randazzo and Dcn Adam Walk, with the Confirmatio by Rev. Fr. David Pascoe, Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, Magistral Chaplain of the Order of Malta.
The “Hour of Reflection with a Chaplain” formation series and the soon-to-be published Manual of Spiritual Accompaniment are part of the Order’s national spirituality strategy.
All Members, Candidates, Volunteers and friends of the Order are welcome to share the ongoing “Hour of Reflection with a Chaplain” formation series.