On 19^th February 2022, Conventual Chaplain Ad Honorem  Father Anthony Robbie celebrated Mass at the Our Lady of Philermos Chapel in St Anne’s Church, Bondi Beach. This was attended by 30 members from the Central Eastern Region of the Australian Association of the Order of Malta. Fr Robbie dedicated the chapel to Our Lady of Philermos which is beautifully adorned with her icon, a gift from the Lieutenant of the Grand Master Fra’ Marco Luzzago, and an icon of St John the Baptist featuring the Order’s Cross on his coat of camel’s hair. A 17^th Century ciborium from a commandery in France was used for the Mass.

Fr Robbie said that the reference to St John the Baptist in today’s Gospel reading (Mark 9:2-13) was apt as he together with Our Lady of Philermos are patron saints and protectors of the Order and spoke  about the practice of having conventual churches around the world. He invited members to make the Chapel a special place to come to for their prayers.

A quarterly meeting, chaired by Regional Hospitaller Dr Steve Christie, followed Mass at the adjoining St Anne’s Parish hall. National President The Hon James Douglas, temporarily residing in Sydney, was present at the meeting. He gave an overview of the various major works that are in the pipeline across Australia and New Zealand.