In the Queen’s Birthday honours list for 2022, many Catholics found themselves recognised for outstanding service in the areas of religion, healthcare, education, industrial relations and social welfare. Among them were several who hail from Victoria.
Within the honours list, many have been awarded the Order of Australia, an order of chivalry established by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for recognition of distinguished service in different fields.
In his statement, the Governor-General said:
Recipients share some common traits—including selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service. They’re from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique, and each has served in different ways. This diversity is a strength and each has impacted their community and made it better.
Recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) was Victorian Sr Brigid Arthur for distinguished service to social welfare, particularly asylum seekers and refugees, and to Catholic education. Sr Brigid Arthur is the co-founder of the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP), which is now part of Kildare Ministries, and she has spent many years serving the needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia.
Joseph de Bruyn was also made an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to industrial relations, particularly the trade union sector, for superannuation reform and to higher education. Mr de Bruyn is a trustee and director of Campion College and other Catholic charities.
Among the Victorians awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia was another Brigidine Sister, Sr Angela Ryan, who was regconised for services to the Catholic Church in Australia. As well as serving as a principal at a number of Catholic schools and as president of Catholic Religious Australia at both the state and national level, Sr Angela Ryan has made significant contributions to the development of safeguarding and professional standards within the Australian Church over many years.
Also awared the Medal of the Order of Australia was Anna Krohn for service to the Catholic Church in Australia. Ms Krohn has worked as a writer and educator for many years, and served on boards for the Australian Life, Marriage and Family Council, the Catholic Women’s League of Victoria and Wagga Wagga, the Caroline Chisholm Library, the Campion College Board of Trustees and many more.
Other Victorian Catholics recognised were:
- Monsignor Francis Marriott OAM, priest of the Diocese of Sandhurst
- Margaret Addicoat OAM of St Jude’s Parish, Scoresby
- Boguslawa Bliszczyk OAM of the Polish Catholic Church
- Gael Perry OAM of St Mary of the Angels Parish, Geelong.
