The Order of Malta, a Catholic lay religious order, is one of the oldest institutions in Western and Christian civilisation. The members of the Order are committed to achieving spiritual perfection within the Church and to dedicating their energies to serving the poor and the sick. The Australian Association of the Order is developing and planning to pilot an online course aimed at providing resources for its members to study the Hospitaller tradition as the history of the Order represents a pilgrimage of faith and charity.

The Order of Malta Study Program is designed to offer a structured resource to deepen members' understanding of the Order's history, mission, and spiritual practices. These practices include a dedication to both the Catholic faith and to the service of the sick and poor. The Program aims to foster personal development in members, aspirants, and volunteers, equipping them with practical and theological skills. These skills will empower them to fulfil the Order's service-oriented mission in the world. Offered online, the course will initially be piloted and evaluated with Australian members of the Order. The Program will remain accessible as an ongoing resource, serving as a long-term educational and spiritual tool for both current and aspiring members. Evaluation findings will be utilised to support the future development of the self-study Program and its potential expansion beyond the Australian context.

Partner

The Order of Malta Australian Association

Project team

• Assoc. Prof. Darius von Güttner, Campus Dean (Canberra), ACU
• Mr Scott Samson, Order of Malta (Australia)
• Mr Daniel Kwok, Order of Malta (Australia)
• Dr Jill Cox, ACU Engagement
• Ms Vivien Cinque, ACU Engagement