Visit of the Grand Master, His Highness Frá Matthew Festing
On the 20th May, Frá Matthew Festing became the first Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to visit Australia. During his 6 day visit, the Grand Master travelled to WA, VIC, ACT and NSW, visiting the works of the Order, Heads of State and Members across Australia.


The Grand Master visited Albany where a kinsman Lieutenant Colson Festing (later a Rear Admiral) carried the first European settlers to King Georges Sound in December 1826 as Master of the brig Amity, a replica of which rides at anchor at Albany.


The Grand Master at the Personal Advocacy Service (PAS) in Morley – a unique service supported by the Order of Malt ain WA, which aims to assist the young mentally handicapped adults, ‘Friends’, who are supported by volunteer ‘Advocates’ on a one on one basis. The outcome is to better integrate the mentally handicapped adults into the community by instilling confidence, and making it possible for them to join in with spiritual activities in the parishes.


The Grand Master with Sir James Gobbo, the Regent of the Sub Priory of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception visiting a patient at the Caritas Christi Hospice in Kew, Victoria, Australia. Picture courtesy of J. Casamento.


The Grand Master visited Gorman House Alcohol and Drug Detoxification Unit in Sydney, which provides ongoing, non-judgmental support for Sydney’s most marginalized people with dependencies. Since 2005 the NSW branch has provided financial support to Gorman House enabling it to remain open 7 days a week.


The Grand Master and Members of the Order from across Australia attend High Mass on Pentecost Sunday in Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral. Picture courtesy of the Catholic Weekly.