Hospitaller Dec 2016 by OSJ (KH)

THE HOSPITALLER

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | DECEMBER 2016

The official Newsletter of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem — Knights Hospitaller HM King Peter II Constitution — Grand Master HRH Prince Karl Vladimir Karadjordjevic of Yugoslavia GCSJ

HRH Prince Karl Vladimir Karadjordjevic of Yugoslavia, GCSJ Grand Master and HRH Princess Brigitta Karadjordjevic GDSJ Dear Brothers and Sisters in St John

Once again the festive and holy season of the nativity is upon us. I think it would be fair to say that for us Christians, the birth of Christ is where our journey began. I have heard others argue that it was earlier; at the moment of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary - or even much earlier than this, through Isaiah 9:6 - but, of course, Christmas is the very special and very holy celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is fundamental to me in a number of ways, not only as an ordinary man, but also as a member of our glorious Order.

For me, as a Christian, the deep and absolute humble reverence of the Old Testament is essential, but for us Christians the birth of Christ put an end to the spiritual questions of "yesterday" and gave us the spiritual answers of "today and tomorrow". Our search is over and our thirst is quenched! We can now freely follow the word of God and serve Him as Christians.

If I may, I would like to draw a very small but, for me as Grand Master, significant

parallel with what I have just written above. My late uncle, King Peter II, through his charter of 1963 and constitution of 1964, has also given our glorious Order a most valuable opportunity to put an end to the headaches that come with many of the historic questions that relate to this "yesterday".

Whilst we openly continue to revere the history of the Orders of St. John and we freely and openly draw from the spiritual bonds that connect us to this "yesterday", it is the answers of "today and tomorrow" related to the Order, which have been given to us in the "birth" of our glorious Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, in 1963/4, under the hand of my late uncle, the king!

With regards to the many works that are being done by so many in the Order, in the fullest harmony with our duty to Christ's poor, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all. I know that you will continue into 2017 with your many efforts in this field, and help better the lives of others who are not as fortunate as we are.

I also want to thank all those who organised

and attended the SCM of 2016 and helped to make it one of the most positive and effective milestones of the year for the Order.

In closing, Brigitta and I would like to wish each and every one of you, and all your loved ones, a most blessed, love-filled and Merry Christmas and a wonderful Happy New Year.

May we, during our celebrations, take a moment to remember all those who are suffering in any way in this world, and reserve a special prayer for them and also for all those who are sadly no longer with us this year to do the same!

God bless you all!

HRH Prince Karl Vladimir Karadjordjevic of Yugoslavia GCSJ Grand Master

Editor: HE Conventual Bailiff F Maestrelli GCSJ CMSJ MSSJ Grand Hospitaller

THE HOSPITALLER VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

In this edition:

A message from the Grand Commander Priory of France

Priory of Scandanavia

The ACT Commandery

Priory of Victoria

10 Priory of England 12 Priory of NSW

14 Priory of St. Margaret of Scotland 16 Priory of Queensland

20 Et Homo Factus Est (And Was Made Man)

A MESSAG HE CONVE REDPATH

Dear Brothers and Sisters in St John,

Having been elected as Grand Commander, I am all too aware that my dear friend and predecessor, HE Conventual Bailiff Anthony Sheill GCSJ CMSJ MSSJ, will be a very hard act to follow! Ever since he entered the ranks as a donat (second class) in April 1972, his dedication to our Order – like that of his Father before him - has never wavered.

His service to the Order has been long and distinguished, not least during his 9-year tenure as Grand Commander, a role he did not expect but nevertheless took to with determination and a creditable degree of circumspection.

I consider it a great honour and I am personally very touched (and, I confess, a tad relieved) that Tony has agreed to continue to serve the Order as Lieutenant Grand Commander, and to carry on his sterling work with the Registry.

I am sure that all who attended will agree that enormous thanks are due to the members of the Priory of France for organising the Sovereign Council Meeting in Nice in October of this year. They, together with the attendees, made it a truly memorable occasion and an exemplar of the ideals of our Order.

The debates took place in a spirit of harmony and cooperation and with a genuine desire to promote the best interests of the Order without any hint of posturing or partiality. The Minutes, which have been circulated to all Priors and are available to all, reflect the strong desire of the members of the Sovereign Council to build upon the progress that has been made. Indeed, there could have been no greater testimony to the wisdom of the changes that have taken place in the Order in the past few years. I should also express the Order’s thanks to M. Christian Estrossi, Président de la Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; M. Philippe Pradal, Maire de Nice; Mme. Valérie Salembiez, Chef de Projet Evénementiel; and, Mme. Sylvie Lecat, Directrice du Musée Lascaris for their considerable assistance and support.

Thanks are also due to the members of the Petit Conseil who stepped PAGE 2

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December 2016

GE FROM ENTUAL BAILIFF ALASTAIR H-STEVENS GCSJ OMSJ down in October: HE Conventual Bailiff Eddie Power GCSJ CMSJ MSSJ and HE Conventual Bailiff Alex Dalgleish GCSJ MMSJ MSSJ.

Those who were at the Sovereign Council Meeting will no doubt remember the high level of security in Nice, including the security guards present at all of our meetings and functions. Indeed, they may also remember the advice that we not appear in public with any outward signs of our Order and our faith.

A sad reflection of troubled times, but a reminder to us that we, as knights and dames of the Order, have a duty, enshrined in the first and primary part of our motto Pro Fide, to act for the Faith, that is the Christian Faith, and then by building upon that moral and spiritual foundation, to seek to relieve the suffering of humanity in a spirit of compassion and care as embodied in the second part of our motto, Pro Utilitate Hominum.

It was, therefore, a very uplifting experience to see so many knights and dames of the Order, postulants, members of the Sovereign Order of St. John and other guests present at the Investiture service in the beautiful Monastery at Cimiez, and then later at the banquet at the Hôtel Aston La Scala, Nice.

The next Sovereign Council meeting will be in Sydney in 2019: a date which seemed some fair time off, until I reflected upon the fact that in less than two weeks’ time it will be 2017! Certainly, the Petit Conseil will be kept very busy in the time before that meeting, having been charged with a number of key tasks over and above its usual executive role, including reviewing the draft revised Manual, improving communications within the Order, overseeing aspects of the implementation of the Order’s new website and, making the nominal roll accessible to members, to name but a few.

Action will also be required by Priors, following the agreement by the Sovereign Council that all priories must, in future, provide reports to the Petit Conseil by 15 April, 15 August, and 15 December in each year setting out their activities, progress, charitable endeavours and any other matters of import. Priors should already be providing copies of agenda and minutes for all priory and commandery meetings.

I am delighted that the Petit Conseil now has, I believe for the first time ever, a Grand Dame as one of its members: Grand Bailiff, HE Grand Dame Elizabeth Carey-Sheill GDSJ, who is also the Prior of England and Registrar General. Whilst progress is clearly being made, I still believe we need to do more to ensure greater diversity not only in the membership, but also in the leadership of our Order.

I am also looking forward to the work which will be done by the new Ecclesiastical Council, which will feed into the revised Manual and thus inform our work within the Order, which is and will remain an ecumenical Christian Order of Chivalry.

May I close by wishing you, your friends and families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yours ever in the service of St John, Alastair

HE Conventual Bailiff Alastair Redpath-Stevens GCSJ OMSJ

Although I am the current Chairman of the Petit Conseil, this position will in future rotate every six month through the membership in order of precedence. Accordingly, the next Chairman will be the Grand Marshal, HE Conventual Bailiff P. H. Pedersen GCSJ, who will take over from 1 April 2017.

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PRIORY OF FRANCE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

Prior of France, HE Bailiff Alain Colorado GCSJ.

The Priory of France was delighted to host the Sovereign Council in Nice in October, and to welcome members of the Order from Australia, Denmark, England, Norway and Scotland together with guests, including members of the Sovereign Order of St. John (SOSJ). A complete set of photographs of the event may be viewed at http://www.imagedujour.net/Chevaliers_de_ Saint_Jean_de_ Jerusalem_2016/

Since then, and as it has every year since 2009, the Priory of France has organised a Christmas party for disabled children at the hospital of San Salvadour in Hyères, Var.

This year the Priory was particularly delighted to work on the event with members

of the SOSJ Commandery of Monaco, assisted greatly by their Commander, Dame Jacqueline Marschner von Helmreich.

Generous donors contributed more than 400 presents to the Priory, including children’s toys, stuffed animals, teddy bears, books and other items.

In all, some 370 children at the hospital took part in the Christmas celebrations, and although members of the Priory were touched by the kind words of congratulation from the management of the hospital for their continuing help and support, the greatest reward was, without doubt, the smiles on the children’s faces.

The relics of the Blessed Gérard in procession.

The Grand Master processes into the Monastery at Cimiez.

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December 2016

The Grand Master and Princess Brigitta with members of the SOSJ.

The Grand Commander and the Chaplain of the Priory of England share a quiet word.

The relics of the Blessed Gérard .

The knights and dames recess from the Monastery at Cimiez.

Gifts for disabled children at the Hospital of San Salvador in Ayères, Var.

A family photograph.

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PRIORY OF SCANDINAVIA VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

CHAPTER MEETING DENMARK

On Saturday 19 November 2016 the Priory Chapter meeting was held in Aalborg, Denmark.

Chamberlain Snefrid Salvesen, Prior Oivind Olsen and Chevalier Ivar Cor Salvesen.

As is the practice in the Priory of Scandinavia, a church service was held as part of the meeting: on this occasion at the Karmel Church. Elevation diplomas were presented to two of our members: our Chamberlain, Snefrid Salvesen and her husband, Ivar Cor Salvesen, who have contributed over many years to our charitable works. Ivar has also been undertaking the duties of

CHRISTMAS MEETING IN NORWAY

A large number of members of the Priory of Scandinavia attended the traditional Christmas meeting on 5 December 2016, in Sandefjord, Norway.

The Church Ceremony took place in the Roman Catholic Church of our member, Father Claes Tande. Chev. Carl A. Carlsen performed a number

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of songs which were greatly appreciated by the congregation.

The Prior, upon the recommendation of the Priory Council, availed himself of the opportunity to admit a new Serving Brother, Erling Saetherlien.

Immediately following the Church Ceremony, everyone adjourned to the

photographer at our investitures and functions.

On Saturday evening, a celebratory banquet was held at the Freemasons’ Hall, at which members were not only provided with excellent food but also musical entertainment by Chev. Finn Andersen.

The event was most successful with the participation of members from both Norway and Denmark.

Chamberlain Snefrid Salvesen, Prior Oivind Olsen, our new Serving Brother Erling Saetherlien and Father Claes Tande.

Hotel Atlantic, where the traditional Norwegian Christmas Meal was served and enjoyed by all.

The Hospitaller, Dame Hilde Mari Olsen, arranged a small raffle, and the income was then donated to assist the Roman Catholic Church in Sandefjord.

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THE ACT COMMANDERY

December 2016

Chev. Royce Thompson, Derek Robson and Ray Newcombe.

The ACT Commandery has involved itself in a range of activities, and we have taken great pride in actively supporting all NSW Priory events. Many of our members attended the very memorable Investiture at St James Church, where our own Gael Knox was inducted as a Serving Sister, and several of our own members were honoured to have been gifted prominent roles, both in the ceremony of Investiture and at the Celebratory Lunch which followed at the heritage Cello's Restaurant. This event also saw our proud officiating Chaplain, Chev. Air Commodore Dr Royce Thompson GCHSJ, presented with the Medal of Merit for his extraordinary and continuing commitment to the tenets of our Order. This was a wonderful gesture from our Grand Master and it was so very well supported by all of us. We were again prominent with a good attendance at the Chapter Meeting and Annual General Meeting, and to continue our great sense of loyalty and respect to the Priory, we have always attended and supported the Prior at his regularly convened Executive meetings.

In addition to supporting our own Priory, two of ours attended the recent Victorian Priory Investiture, and we were honoured that our Chaplain, Dr Royce Thompson, was again able to act as the Officiating Chaplain at this ceremony,

Christmas is always a wonderful time of the year for each of us to reflect on our religious beliefs and for us to spend a relaxing period with our families. Fittingly, the final Priory event for the year was our Order's Christmas Reception at the very supportive Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, and it was great that the Commandery was again able to be represented, enjoy each other’s company, and take a part in acknowledging the achievements of another successful year.

The ACT Commandery itself has held two Executive meetings, combined with an informal lunch, and these are always held at the Australian War Memorial. At these meetings, we have committed ourselves to strengthening our position within the Order, building a strong and viable membership, and proudly supporting the Order wherever and whenever we possibly can. We are confident that we are on the

right track.

We were also very proud to host our final event for the year as our Commandery Christmas Lunch, and it was again held at the Australian War Memorial. The event was arranged by our new Serving Sister Gael Knox in her first role as our Acting Hospitaller, and as we sat resplendent at our beautiful Christmas themed and decorated table, we certainly brought some attention to the Order in this most worldly of venues. We had a wonderful time reflecting on where we had been during the year; we acknowledged the particularly sad times family bereavement had brought us; we dwelt on the various health issues that had confronted us and our friends; we looked forward to the challenges of the future; and most importantly, we had fun, and laughed long and loud in each other’s company.

The ACT Commandery trusts that we have made a difference in all we have strived to achieve, and we take this opportunity to wish all of our friends a very happy and safe Christmas period, and we all look forward to progressing our influence in the coming year. PAGE 7

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PRIORY OF VICTORIA “FIDELITAS IN PERPETUUM” VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

Since the last edition of The Hospitaller, members of the Priory have met for the Great Siege of Malta dinner on 9 September, the Ceremony of Investiture on 25 November, and the Christmas gathering on 5 December.

With these regular and well-attended events have come new members and also the new Northern Commandery, which was formally established on 1 August 2016. The Commandery encompasses the northern suburbs of Melbourne along with Northern Victoria.

Homeless Children Christmas Presents collection and last council meeting for 2016.

Great Siege of Malta Dinner

Mrs Alison O’Reilly and Mr Ben O’Reilly, representing Sophie’s Gifts. We were proud to admit both as Friends of the Order.

The dinner to celebrate the 451st anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta was held at the RACV Club in Melbourne. As in 2015, the event was a great success.

We were honoured to have with us many new and distinguished guests from religious, political, military and judicial backgrounds – too many, in fact, to fairly list them all. Among our interstate attendees were Chev. Keith Payne VC AM KSJ CMSJ and Dame Flo Payne OAM DSJ CMSJ, as well as our ever-present ecclesiastical brother Chaplain Air Commodore the Chev. Dr Royce Thompson GCHSJ, all from Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.

The silent auction and raffle were successful. Among the interesting items on offer were two prints of an original artwork depicting Grand Master la Valette, who commanded the PAGE 8

Mrs Danielle Moffitt, Sgt. Anthony ‘Harry’ Moffitt and Reverend Dame Shannon Smith DSJ.

defenders during the Siege of Malta, by Dame C Meehan DCSJ, and a figurine of a WWI Australian soldier that was generously donated by the Military Shop in Canberra.

We also had an informative talk from Mr Ben O’Reilly about the work being done by a charity called Sophie’s Gifts, started by his sister, paediatrician Dr Erin O’Reilly, in providing medical assistance to the children of the Solomon Islands and assisting hospitals and medical staff on the islands.

We were also delighted to host Sergeant Anthony ‘Harry’ Moffitt and his wife Danielle Moffitt. Sgt. Moffitt is a veteran of Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor and a future psychologist, having obtained his Masters of Psychology just recently. We have admitted Harry and Danielle as Friends of the Order and we look forward to having them among us in future events.

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December 2016

Northern Commandery Investiture

The Northern Commandery of the Priory of Victoria met on 25 November 2016 at Queen’s College in the University of Melbourne to invest its newest members.

The Investing Officer was HE Conventual Bailiff Fred Maestrelli GCSJ CMSJ MSSJ, who had flown in with his wife Grand Dame Carmen Maestrelli GDSJ MMSJ MSSJ from Sydney.

The rest of the evening proceeded enjoyably, with a fine dinner prepared by the staff of Queen’s College. Our resident pianist Supremo, Chev. James Ngan KSJ composed and played a delightful piece called “Shrine to the Knights” to the delight of all participants.

Chev. Geoffrey Evans KSJ.

Newly Invested: Dame Patricia Coleiro DSJ, and Chev. Geoffrey Evans KSJ New serving Brothers and Sisters: Mr John Horan SBSJ, Mrs Antoinette Camilleri SSSJ, Mrs Giuseppina De Marchi SSSJ, Mrs Katharina Dimtscheff SSSJ and Mr Frederick Cullen OAM SBSJ.

Victorian Priory Members at Queen’s College.

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PRIORY OF ENGLAND VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

Events in 2016

The past year has seen a consolidation of the Priory of England and its activities. Council meetings have been held regularly during the year. Two Chapter meetings have also taken place: one in March and the other in October. The latter meeting enabled those who attended Sovereign Council in Nice to share their experience with the rest of the Priory.

The Grand Master investing Chev. Wakim.

In June, we were very pleased to welcome the Grand Master to our Feast Day Celebration. His Royal Highness also invested two new knights, Chev. Ian Wilson and Chev. Ramy Wakim into the Order.

We were also delighted to welcome Dame Angela Reid, the Prior of the Priory of St. Margaret of Scotland, who attended the event as an honoured guest. The Service and Investiture took place at the Church of St. Nicholas, Plumstead, South London and was led by Canon the Rev. Andrew Stevens, vicar of St. Nicholas and Chaplain to the Priory of England. We were also very pleased that our Prelate, Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark attended.

At the same Service, The Grand Master presented HE Conventual Bailiff Edward “Eddie” Power with the Cross of Merit with Crown. Members of the Priory and their guests enjoyed a reception which was held afterwards in the Vicarage gardens.

The Grand Commander and HE Conventual Bailiff Edward Power.

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In October, members of the Priory went to Nice for the meeting of Sovereign Council. The meetings were constructive and fruitful and were conducted in a very pleasant and positive atmosphere. The arrangements for the meeting made by Priory of France were excellent and the events which were laid on most interesting. For me, the most amazing sight of the Council was the procession of

THE HOSPITALLER

December 2016

The Grand Master presents Edward Power with the Cross of Merit with Crown.

Chev. Bernard Eaton.

Chev. Wakim and Chev. Wilson.

Chev. Christopher Roulette.

Members of the Order in procession.

several hundred knights and dames as they entered the Church for the Investiture ceremony. It was also good for members of the Order of St. John to be able to support the Priory of France and the beautiful city of Nice after the dreadful events which had taken place earlier in the year.

On 3 December, at the invitation of our Chaplain, members of the Priory attended the Patronal Feast Day of St. Nicholas at St. Nicholas, Plumstead.

On 22 January, 2017, members of the Priory of England are planning to visit Glasgow to join the Priory of St. Margaret of Scotland in celebrating Burns Night.

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Dame Y Bartels, Dame Frances O’Donohoe, Chev. Joe Kaplun. Chev. Schon Condon. Serving Sister Hayley Hitch, Serving Brother Rohan Hitch.

Chev. William Groves, Chev. Schon Condon.

Dame Charitini Philippou, Serving Sister Gael Knox, Grand Dame Carmen Maestrelli.

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PRIORY OF NSW INVESTITURE

For the second time this year the Priory held its Investiture in the architecturally stunning St James’ Anglican Church, Sydney. On this occasion, Saturday 26 November 2016, it was held as an evening function. The Chaplains officiating were Chev. The Rev. Dr David Duchesne GCHSJ MSSJ and Chap. Air Commodore the Chev. Dr Royce Thompson GCHSJ.

HE Conventual Bailiff Fred Maestrelli GCSJ CMSJ MMSJ delivered the Proclamation on behalf of HRH Karl Vladimir Karadjordjevic Prince of Yugoslavia, Grand Master of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller. He also administered the Accolade to Dame Charitini Maria Philippou, Chev. William John Groves and Chev. Michael Walter Harkins MVO PSM.

It was an opportunity during the ceremony to present Chev. Emeritus Professor Dr David Barker, with his diploma elevating him to Knight Commander of Justice. Also, Bailiff Fred Maestrelli was presented with

the Cross of Merit with Crown, and Chev. Royce Thompson with the Medal of Merit graciously awarded to them by the Grand Master.

The Prior LTCOL Schon G Condon GCSJ MMSJ RFD had the pleasure of admitting Gael Robyn Knox as a Serving Sister of the ACT Commandery.

Following the Investiture the celebratory banquet was held at Cello’s Restaurant, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel. A sumptuous meal of fine food and wine was enjoyed by the many members and guests that were in attendance. Bailiff Peter Shilton GCSJ delivered an inspiring toast to the Order and the Grand Master.

Diplomas were presented to the Knights, Dame and Serving Sister, and also Dame Carmen Maestrelli for her recent elevation to Grand Dame. The celebration continued late into the evening with everyone enjoying the camaraderie and good cheer.

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PRIORY OF NSW CHAPTER AND AGM MEETING December 2016

On Friday 28 October 2016, the Priory held a Chapter meeting in conjunction with its Annual General Meeting required by Australian legislation. The independent auditors declared that the Priory was financially viable and everyone was in high spirits ready to celebrate.

The Priory members after the Investiture.

The meeting was adjourned to the ADAM Room for a mouth watering array of finger food and Champagne, consumed with interesting conversation and vigour.

Marshal Chev. Joe Kaplun, Chev. William Groves, Chev Michael Harkins, Dame Charitini Philippou.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation to Debbie Condon, wife of our Prior, of an award by Grand Dame Carmen Maestrelli. The award was in recognition of Debbieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tireless efforts in organising The Great Siege of Malta fundraiser functions.

Gathering before Investiture.

Chev. Schon Condon, Debbie Condon, Grand Dame Carmen Maestrelli.

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PRIORY OF ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

Charitable Donations Loaves & Fishes

Almost 30 years ago a man, George Aitken, arrived in Glasgow with very few possessions but filled with a fierce determination, borne out of his deep Christian beliefs, to do whatever he possibly could to help feed and clothe the poor and hungry. Over the intervening years, just as “great oaks from small acorns grow” so has this organisation. His mission and aims continue to be served through the Scottish charity, Loaves & Fishes, which is funded solely by voluntary donations. It flourishes as a result of the voluntary service provided by a number of committed individuals.

Many of the people who seek help from Loaves & Fishes are initially homeless when contact is first made, a number have various other problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction, emotional and mental health issues. Not all were addicts when they first became homeless. To quote one individual “when you find yourself ‘sleeping rough’ in a graveyard or under a bridge it is very frightening the first night – but it is even worse the next night because you know what lies in front of you – so you drink or take drugs to blot it out of your mind – and so a habit is formed”. Loaves & Fishes endeavours to

give such individuals back their selfesteem by providing them with a warm and safe environment to meet together, providing a good hot three course meal in Renfield St Stephen’s Church Centre in Glasgow, on three evenings each week. In order to gain admittance everyone attending must be scrupulously clean and properly dressed. No-one smelling of alcohol, with any hint of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will be allowed in to the premises. Anti-social behavior is not tolerated under any circumstances. It is essential, in order to raise the self-esteem and feeling of worth of those who do attend

that they feel safe and respected. By such means it is hoped to create selfconfidence to start the process of helping them integrate back into living a useful and fulfilling life.

On Monday 29 August 2016, Prior Dame Angela Reid with Chev. Jim Wylie met Denis Curran MBE, Chairman of the charity Loaves & Fishes to present a cheque for £1,500, on behalf of the Priory of St Margaret of Scotland Trust, from funds which had been raised at a social evening held a few months earlier.

Chev. Dr. Maurice Taylor CBE, KSJ Members of the Priory of St. Margaret of Scotland were delighted to learn that Chev. Dr Maurice Taylor CBE KSJ was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to business and to charity. The ceremony took place at Holyrood Palace on 5 July 2016 and was presided over by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll. Commenting on his appointment, Maurice said, “I’m thrilled to bits.

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THE HOSPITALLER

December 2016

The Simon Community Scotland

This year the Simon Community Scotland marks its 50th anniversary of helping the homeless. The charity has a “Street Team” which operates 365 days a year and each month provides help to as many as 150 people sleeping rough on the streets of Glasgow in all types of weather. It is concerning that the team regularly sees as many as 40 additional new cases every month.

Margaret of Scotland Trust at a dinner held earlier in the year. It was agreed with Lorraine, that the donated funds would be used exclusively to purchase in excess of 120 good quality sleeping bags. These being for use by the people who sleep rough and who, although they may not be sleeping in comfortable beds, will at least be warm and dry, particularly with winter fast approaching.

John Thomson, a former member of the SOSJ, but unable to join our Order due to ill health, had been a supporter of the Simon Community over many years and was invited to attend the presentation. He is seen with Prior, Dame Angela Reid and Lorraine McGrath.

Severe winter weather warnings were issued in mid-November and, in recognition of the impact this would have on the homeless, the Trustees made a subsequent further donation of £1500 to the Simon Community.

On Tuesday 30 August 2016 Prior Dame Angela Reid and Chev. Jim Wylie met with Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive of Simon Community Scotland. A cheque for £1,500 was presented, being part of the funds raised by the Priory of St

It is worth noting that, under the leadership of an extremely enthusiastic and committed Lorraine McGrath, the Simon Community Scotland provides caring services to an estimated 3,000 men and women each year.

St Margaret Of Scotland Hospice

In previous years the Priory has supported the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, which is situated in Clydebank, Glasgow and is a well-known and highly respected institution. It provides

unstinting support to terminally ill patients. We were pleased to be able to donate the sum of £1000 to this very worthy cause at the end of November.

Of all the awards and honours I’ve been fortunate enough to have received over the years, the CBE is the one in which I will take particular delight” Maurice, founder of Chardon Trading which owns and operates a portfolio of six hotels throughout Scotland and until recently Chief Executive of Chardon Management, the UK’s leading independent management company operating 50 hotels

around the UK under a variety of global brands. He has been the proud recipient of a plethora of awards. These include a Lifetime Excellence Trophy and Entrepreneur of the Year, from a number of august bodies. He is currently visiting Professor at the Scottish Hotel School and holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Strathclyde. In 2015 Maurice was honoured with a

Papal Knighthood from The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, for his charity work over many decades. This is one of the most prestigious honours that the Catholic Church can bestow upon a layperson. The Papal Knighthood was later ratified by the Archbishop of Jerusalem in the Holy Land.

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THE HOSPITALLER

PRIORY OF QUEENSLAND VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

September has been a busy month for the Priory with the holding of our Inaugural AGM. The meeting held on 19 September enabled various Priory matters to be reported and received including a verified copy of our financial statements for filing with the Office of Fair Trading. A special thank you to Priory Treasurer Chev. Peter Lockhart KSJ for his sterling efforts in marshalling the Priory's bank account and assets. Appreciation is also given to Dame Jenny Hobart DSJ for her hospitality in hosting the meeting in the lovely meeting room venue of Rivage Royale.

Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth

Honouring our Knightly vows to help Our Lord's the sick and Our Lord's the poor remains at the forefront of the Priory of Queensland's focus. In September, the Prior, Chev. Andre, the Baron von Zeppelin GCSJ together with Priory Treasurer, Chevalier Peter Lockhart attended Bill Hoyer House to present a cheque for $2,000 to help the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth (GCPHY).

The funds were raised from our High Tea & Dreamtime Art Fundraiser at Bond University in May, and will help provide shelter and comfort for less fortunate youth in our community.

The Prior of Queensland presents the cheque to GCPHY team leader, Kylie Minchton.

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The funds were raised from our High Tea & Dreamtime Art Fundraiser at Bond University in May, and will help provide shelter and comfort for less fortunate youth in our community.

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Priory of Queensland Support for The Institute For Glycomics

December 2016

Priory of Queensland Charitable Donations in time for Christmas

A highly successful Gala Dinner was hosted in October by our friends at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics. The Dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Surfers Paradise. The Annual Dinner is part of Glycomics Week and is used to celebrate the Institute's growing significant research successes and the impact this research has in the world of infectious disease, cancer, vaccine and drug discovery. It also acknowledges the invaluable assistance from the Institute's local, national and international friends, donors and supporters. It was very pleasing to see the Priory of Queensland was represented - a special thank you to those members who were able to attend.

November saw the Priory of Queensland continue to pursue the very finest Hospitaller traditions as we continued our work to assist our Lord's the sick and the poor. Donations of non-perishable grocery items were generously donated by members attending our Priory Christmas Party (more about that below.) These items were delivered personally by the Prior to the St. John Drop In Centre where they were gratefully received and will help those in need this Christmas. A sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those Knights and Dames who have helped make such a difference to the lives of so many at this time of year.

New Priory of Queensland Banner Pole and Stand

Priory Christmas Party

The kindness and generosity of the late Chev. Peter Hobart and Dame Jenny Hobart enabled the Priory to commission a new Priory Banner which was blessed at the inauguration of our Priory earlier in the year. Such a magnificent Banner required an appropriate pole and stand to reflect its place of honour and significance to the Priory. Conventual Bailiff Shane & Dame Sallyanne Hough retained the skills of an expert craftsman in Toowoomba, who after reviewing earlier photographs and designs of OSJ regalia carefully re-created the new pole in magnificent silky oak timber sourced from farmlands on the Darling Downs. The end result will endure for generations and is a fitting tribute to our new Priory.

Charitable Support for the St John Drop In Centre, Surfers Paradise

Priory of Queensland fundraising efforts have again resulted in a very healthy donation of $1,000 to Surfers Paradise Anglican Crisis Care (SPACC). These funds will primarily help the St John Drop In Centre in Surfers Paradise which provides much needed emergency relief, meals and grocery items to the less fortunate.

The Priory of Queensland Christmas Party was quite a success with a near record number of members and guests enjoying the festive cheer at Southport Yacht Club on the evening of Tuesday 22 November. Apart from the donations mentioned above for St John Drop In Centre, proceeds of over $1,400 were raised to benefit the Institute for Glycomics. An entertaining evening was always on the cards and the highlight was undoubtedly the Christmas Quiz organized by Quiz Masters Chev. Peter and Dame Moira Lockhart.

Priory of Queensland Support for Homeless Youth

The Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth (GCPHY) continues to provide safe accommodation for disadvantaged youth. Bill Hoyer House, named after long-serving GCPHY President Dr Bill Hoyer, is a purpose built facility for the immediate care of homeless young people with facilities to assist their development and life skills.

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THE HOSPITALLER

THE RELIC OF THE BLESSED GÉRARD TENQUE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

The service of Investiture on 15 October 2016, took place at the Monastery of Cimiez, Nice in the presence of a relic of the Blessed Gérard.

Gérard Tenque, possibly a citizen of Martigues or Amalfi, became rector of the Hospital of St John at Jerusalem in 1080. Born in about 1040, he died on 3 September around 1120.

When Jerusalem fell, his body was removed to Acre, but by 1283, the precious relic was contained in a jewel-encrusted silver gilt reliquary, in the Hospitaller Chapel at Manosque.

In 1728, the vertebral relic that was present at the Investiture was consigned to the Church of Saint-Louis-d’Anjou in Martgues.

In 1749, the skull was sent to Valletta on the orders of the 68th Grand Master of the Old Order, Manuel Pinto de Fonseca, where it may be seen in the Monastery of St Ursula having been transferred there from St John's Co-Cathedral in 1865.

Sadly, during the French Revolution most of bones remaining in France were destroyed and only scattered fragments now

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remain. These include, in addition to the vertebra mentioned above, a humerus in the Church of St Magdalen in Martigues, his possible birthplace, part of which was given to the SMOM, which in turn gave fragments to the Church of the Blessed Gérard in Mandeni, kwaZulu/Natal, the seat of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Gérard, and to the Malteser Kommende in Ehreshoven, Germany. A fragment of the skull is held by the SMOM Grand Priory of England in London, UK.

Although of uncertain origin and authenticity, the epitaph inserted into the Historia of Fulcher of Chartres, that great chronicler of the First Crusade and chaplain to Baldwin I of Jerusalem, sums up the Blessed Gérard’s piety and ability:

Here lies Gerard, the humblest man in the East, the slave of the poor, hospitable to strangers, meek of countenance but with a noble heart. One can see in these walls how good he was. He was provident and active. Exerting himself in all sorts of ways, he stretched forth his arms into many lands to obtain what he needed to feed his own. On the seventeenth day of the passage of the sun under the sign of Virgo he was carried into heaven by the hands of angels.

THE HOSPITALLER

ET HOMO FACTUS EST December 2016

(AND WAS MADE MAN) By the time you read this, I suspect, it may well be Christmastide. The period of Advent - this year 4 full weeks! - is the time Holy Church sets aside for us to prepare spiritually for the Birth of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In the West we have lost many of the ancient practices associated with this time of preparation unlike our brothers and sisters in the East.

Fasting is often seen as something to be endured rather that embraced. Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God, yet denying ourselves things (for us, meat on Fridays) becomes an opportunity to be open to God.

The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above: the Kingdom of God. It is a means of putting on virtue in reality: here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves up as an example.

Secular society has been preparing for Christmas for months; as one radio show kept repeating “playing Christmas songs now and through Christmas Eve”! There is even a television channel dedicated to Christmas movies 24/7, promoting the “real Christmas spirit” which of course has nothing to do with Christmas. It's all about feeling good: and Santa Claus becomes the centre of the season, and we should wish each other “Happy Holidays”.

It's all a subtle way of displacing Christ; this is not the real reason for Christmas. The real spirit of Christmas is the wonder of the Incarnation; that God is so intimately involved with his creation and his creatures that he becomes one of us, that we might be raised up to him in the fullness of time. I saw one of those wayside pulpit signs with the message that “Christmas without Christ is a mess.” Many of us will visit the Christmas Crib in our Church, and this helps us to see the “sign” which God has given us: “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a

manger” and we, like the shepherds of Bethlehem, have set out to see this sign. What they and we have glimpsed, is an apocalypse: an uncovering of God’s final purpose for all the universe.

Let us together rejoice in the day of our salvation. As we contemplate the Crib, let us remember some words of Pope Francis: “Where God is born, hope is born. He brings hope. Where God is born, peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.”

Unlike any other figure in human history Jesus breaks in, not to help us escape, but to transform and take hold of our past, our present and our future.

Jesus does not come to remove us from reality, he inhabits it; and if we invite him in he will dwell in us.

The secular world gives up Christmas on Christmas Day. The Church, however, keeps the celebrations going until at least the Epiphany and some until the feast of Candlemas 40 days later.

As we gaze upon the Christ child in the crib with His tiny hands outstretched towards His Mother, it is all too easy to forget that some 30 years later those same hands, bloodied and nailed to the Cross, are outstretched towards His Father as He offers the one, full, perfect and sufficient satisfaction for the sins of the world. “It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men From heavens all gracious King!” The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Chev. Fr. Canon Andrew Stevens KSJ Chaplain of the Priory of England.

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THE HOSPITALLER VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

THE HOSPITALLER

Editor: Fred Maestrelli Contributors: HRH Prince Karl Vladimir Karadjordjevic GCSJ, Liz Carey-Sheill, Alain Colorado, Schon Condon, Shane Hough, Dino de Marchi, Øivind Olsen, Alastair Redpath-Stevens, Derek Robson, Rev. Canon Andrew Stevens, Elaine Wales; and Georges Zazzeri Photography: Christopher Giraudeau, Michael Johnson, Sallyann Hough, Rev. Canon Andrew Stevens, and Jim Wylie Layout: Greg Smith

More news coming in 2017...