THE Knights of the Southern Cross Australia will gather in Brisbane this week for a national conference aimed at renewing their mission and strengthening its response to an increasingly secular culture.
The 10th National Triennial Conference, running from May 22–24 and hosted by the Queensland branch of the Knights, will bring together members from across Australia under the theme Renewing our Mission in the Community through Fraternity and Service.
Held around the St Stephen’s Cathedral precinct and incorporating the Queensland State Conference, the gathering marks a significant moment for the fraternity founded in 1919, as members reflect on how to continue serving Church and society in a changing landscape.
National leader Supreme Knight Vince Granahan said the conference was intended to challenge members to deepen their commitment and strengthen fraternity.
“This conference challenges us to strengthen our brotherhood and to respond generously to the needs of the Church in today’s cultural context,” he said.
Queensland chairman Michael Cuskelly said hosting the event was an important opportunity for the local branch.
“It is a privilege for Queensland to host this national gathering, bringing together Knights from every state to share fellowship, formation and vision for the future of our Order,” he said.
The conference theme reflects the Knight’s desire to move beyond fellowship alone and toward renewed engagement with the challenges facing families, faith communities and Australian society.
To help shape that discussion, organisers have assembled speakers from public life, education, healthcare and Catholic leadership.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott will speak on Australia’s Christian heritage and historical foundations, drawing on themes from his recent writing on the nation’s identity and values.
Deacon Peter Pellicaan will address the search for meaning amid the distractions of modern life, examining how Catholics can maintain purpose and mission in a culture marked by busyness and fragmentation.
Education will also feature strongly through presentations from Dr Kenneth Crowther, founding principal of Australia’s first purpose-built independent classical Catholic school, who will explore the challenges of apathy and the role of Catholic education in cultural renewal.
The conference will also highlight practical expressions of Christian service, particularly in healthcare and aged care.
Southern Cross Care Queensland chief executive Jason Eldering is expected to speak about servant leadership and building a culture of care in aged services, while Dr Melissa Lai, president of Pro-life Health Professionals Australia, will examine the ethical challenges confronting contemporary healthcare.
Alongside keynote presentations, the conference program balances governance, formation and fellowship.
National council meetings and annual general meetings will take place alongside daily Mass, spiritual formation sessions led by Fr Pat Toohey and opportunities for members and families to gather socially.
The conference will conclude with an Installation Ceremony on Sunday, marking the beginning of a new three-year cycle of leadership and service.
For the Knights, organisers hope the gathering will provide more than administrative direction.
It is intended as an opportunity to renew a mission built on faith, fraternity and service — and to consider how a century-old Catholic organisation can continue offering public witness in contemporary Australia.
