Pictured: John Murphy, Jim Dominguez and Deirdre Page

On 5th March 2020, National Hospitaller John Murphy joined members in the Central Eastern region at their First Friday Vigil Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. Following the Mass John attended a meal to provide an update on the national activities of the Order.

Following a prayer from Deirdre Page, John was formally introduced by Jim Dominguez to the members in attendance. John then provided updates on various initiatives underway, including an new Order of Malta app, the Order of Malta’s outreach initiatives to assist victims of the recent bushfires, the upcoming Asia Pacific Youth Camp to be hosted later this year by Australia and a National project to standardise selection of candidates and preparation program for membership across Australia.

Sophie York, a candidate for membership in attendance, was requested by Paul Zammit who organised the dinner to give the Vote of Thanks. She commented on how heartening it had been to hear John’s dedication to the overall task and was enthusiastic about the project to standardise the membership process. She was also inspired by his emphasis on attending, in a hands-on way, to the poor and needy – as modelled by Jesus Christ. She included St James’ admonition to believers: “Faith without good works is dead”. All in all, her message – on behalf of all members present – was one of admiration and much appreciation.

John’s visit is the second to the region from a member of National Executive since the election four months ago. The first being from the President, James Douglas, in November who attended the region’s quarterly meeting