Report by Joseph Grogan

On 25^th March 2023, Magistral Chaplain Fr David Pascoe PhD led over twenty Order of Malta Members and friends in an online reflection upon the Solemnity of The Annunciation of the Lord, God’s Grace and Human Freedom – “Mary could have said no!”

Fr David illuminated the Annunciation through Luke 1:26-38, drawing upon seminal theology, tradition and art. Fr David demystified the Virgin Mary’s devout humility and courage, in accepting the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement that Mary would conceive the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Mother Mary’s faith epitomises a selfless openness and sacrificial obedience to the Will of God. She did not profess that the miraculous could not be done, but rather asked how shall God’s Will be done?

Fr David challenges the Order’s Members, volunteers, and friends to prayerfully discern, how can we empty ourselves of our ego, doubts and misgivings?

How can we deepen the spiritual clarity of serving our Lord through the Order’s Mission of Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum?

How can we “roll up our sleeves” towards protecting and nurturing our faith, through service of the sick and poor?

Fr David reflected upon how Gabriel’s greeting to Mary inspires the prayer of Hail Mary, crystallising Mary’s grace, and closeness to God.

Emcee Confrere Joseph Grogan led the attendees in praying the Hail Mary, in loving memory of the recently deceased Confrere President Emeritus Dr Ian Marshall AM AE KC*SG KGCMG (Ob) GCM.

All Members, candidates and friends are welcome to share the monthly “Hour of Reflection with a Chaplain” of the Order of Malta.