On Saturday members of the Order of Malta met at Australian Catholic University in North Sydney to attend a morning of reflection led by Bishop Danny Meagher.

The day started with the Rosary and was followed by Mass and talks on “Revitalising our spiritual life’ and Eucharistic Exposition. The morning concluded with a lunch.

Bishop Danny Meagher’s talks resonated with members and Cons. Francine Pirola commented: “Bishop Danny’s personal holiness was very evident as he shared his reflections on his own spiritual life, drawing on the writings of mystics such as St Ignatius, St Therese of Liseux, St John of the Cross and St Julian of Norwich. It led me to reflect more deeply on the reality of my brokenness and my deep need for Christ.”

Conf. Justin Gardener reflected how “We need to recognise that we cannot see clearly because we and our World are damaged by being separated from God by sin. However, we must not become depressed or let ourselves be swallowed up by the present culture which is one of pride, property, power and ego. We must try to be patient, humble and discerning, remembering that Christ has conquered sin and that the Holy Spirit watches over the World.”

Regional Hospitaller Conf Steve Christie also presented Bishop Meagher with his insignia following his recent promotion to Order of Malta Conventual Chaplain Ad Honorem, which was formalised at the Sovereign Council meeting on 23 June 2022. He also re-iterated the sentiments of attending members noting “the intensely reverential Mass prepared us to be open to Bishop Danny’s reflections on being with Christ in a tumutulous world”. He went on to explain that “An important part of these half-days of reflection is the lunch afterwards. People are always so happy following the reflection that the fraternal warmth at lunch is uplifting.”

We are thankful for Bishop Meagher’s care for the spirituality of members in spite of his busy schedule as Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Sydney.