Hobart Archbishop Adrian Doyle heads the list of Catholics who were honoured in the Australia Day list.
Archbishop Doyle publicly defended Pope Benedict XVI last month when the secular media misinterpreted his comments on calling for an “Ecology of the Holy Spirit” as an attack on the same-sex attracted persons.
Archbishop Doyle, one of four Tasmanians named Members of the Order of Australia, was honoured “for service to the Catholic Church in Australia and to the community, particularly as Archbishop of Hobart and through Caritas programs supporting international aid to developing countries.”
Former South Australian education minister Greg Crafter of Norwood was also named for “service to the Parliament of South Australia, to education policy in the areas of curriculum development and improved opportunities for teachers, and to the community through social welfare and youth organisations.”
Bishop Peter Edward Stasiuk (pictured) of North Melbourne, Eparch of Australia’s Ukrainian Catholics, was also honoured “for service to religion and to the community as Bishop for the Ukrainian Catholics of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania and through contributions to Catholic welfare, counselling and development programs.
Justice Kevin Hammond of Crawley, a member of the St Thomas More College Council and worshipping community, a member of the Perth Archdiocesan Historical Commission and father of University of Notre Dame Australia Vice Chancellor Celia Hammond, also made the honours list.
David Charles Scarf of Bellevue Hill, NSW was also honoured for service to an Eastern rite Church, the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand.
Salesian Father John Robert Briffa of Heathcote, NSW was honoured “for service to the community through contributions to the establishment and support of educational and aged care facilities, and to the Catholic Church” while Josephite Sr Mary Cecelia of Lochinvar, NSW, received her award for “service to people with a hearing impairment through advocacy, training and leadership roles, and to the Catholic Church.”
Claudia Mary Smith of Bulli, NSW, was honoured for “service to the community, particularly through the Catholic Church, as an organist and a volunteer.”
Victorian Marlene Monahan was named for “service to education through the Catholic primary school system, and to the community.