On 26 February 2022, Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci, Conventual Chaplain Ad Honorem Order of Malta, guided over 40 Members and friends in an online reflection on “Contemplation, Attentiveness, and Action”, helping us to prepare spiritually for Lent.

Bishop Gauci challenged all to harness Scripture and silent prayer to deepen our spiritual maturation and service of people in need.

Bishop Gauci encouraged us to embrace the spiritual intimacy of simply evoking Christ’s closeness through the whisper of His name. To assist with praying ceaselessly, he advocated the Jesus Prayer, a practice originated amongst the Desert Fathers and Mothers in the 5^th Century: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner”.

One member was inspired to share the session with his granddaughter who in turn offered a quote from a poem on prayer. Prayer “isn’t a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.”.

In a time when our world is in dire need of prayer, Bishop Gauci encouraged meditation upon the reassuring promise of Romans 8:28, “God works for the good of all who serve Him, who are Called according to His Will”.

All Members, Candidates and friends are welcome to share the monthly spiritual formation series, “An Hour of Reflection with a Chaplain” of the Order of Malta.