What a wonderful night, once again!

After last year’s return after the COVID hiatus, there were many expectations that this year’s Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria Archbishop's Dinner 2023 for Knights of the Southern Cross Priests’ Support and Education Fund would be bigger and better. And indeed it was, with everyone walking away from Moonee Valley Racecourse having enjoyed a wonderful night of camaraderie, and having raised $77,000 in total for the education of Victoria's Seminarians.

Friday September 1, 2023 saw 450 people from all over Victoria attending the flagship event of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria, in support of the education of the seminarians of the four dioceses of Victoria, studying at Corpus Christi College Seminary, and those studying for the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Australia to become Chaplains in the Australian Defence Force.

People from all areas and organisations of the Victorian Catholic Church were in attendance, many having travelled long distances, such as those from Mildura, Colac, Wodonga, Sale, Bendigo and Ballarat. Our furthest travelled guest was no doubt the Supreme Knight of the Knights of the Southern Cross Australia, Mr Vincent Granahan (newly elected at the June KSC National Conference in Perth in June), who flew down from his home town Brisbane earlier in the day. The evening commenced with drinks and canapes in the adjacent room, before guests streamed to take their places and commence the night with introductions, before Grace was led by Archbishop of Melbourne, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.

Prior to the entrée being served, guests were treated to a performance of the Seminary Schola.

All in attendance enjoyed a great night of proceedings, featuring the presentation of Bursaries to two seminarians for a trip to the Holy Land, Jean-Sebastien Gery and Tue Pham, who will travel to the Holy Land in December as part of their Seminary formation. There was also a number of acknowledgements and presentations, with milestone ordination anniversaries recognised, along with 1st and 25th year sponsors.

One of the highlights of the night was an interview with Carlton Football Club player Matthew Kennedy by Fr Michael Gallacher, Parish Priest of St Roch's Parish Glen Iris. Fr Gallacher interviews Matthew about his Catholic faith, and how it impacts his football career. Following the interview, a Carlton jumper signed by all members of the Carlton men’s team was auctioned off by Matthew’s soon-to-be father-in-law, famous Catholic comedian John Canavan.

Featured as part of the fundraising activities were a raffle, and main auction, and silent auctions.

The guest speaker for the night was Corpus Christi College Seminary Rector, the Very Reverend Dr Cameron Forbes, who spoke about the Seminary, the Priesthood, and his hope for both, as Rector. The Vote of Thanks was given by Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Development Fund, Matthew Cassin.

Also promoted was a number of upcoming KSC and Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne events, such as the hugely popular KSC-run “God and Beer” talk series (featured at the Notting Hill Hotel), featuring speakers Olivia Chamoun (Jesus and Jazz), Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous (who will address a special God and Beer session at the Hoppers Club in Hoppers Crossing in early October), and the upcoming Benedict Conference in late October.

At the end of the night, it was the honour of the State Chairman of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria, Mr Paul Mitchell OAM, to present the Archbishop of Melbourne, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, with a cheque for $75,000 to be split equally between Victoria's Dioceses and the Military Ordinariate. While not as much as the previous year’s amount of $86,000, with inflation impacting throughout the economy, this was an excellent result. Following the cheque presentation, an anonymous donor contributed $2,000 to the Fund, unable to win a silent or main auction item, which was not reported in the night, bringing the overall total to $77,000. This took the overall money raised since the first Dinner in 1999 to $1,540,301.00, surpassing the $1.5 million mark.

For this, many thanks must go to all the loyal sponsors (who have been acknowledged in recent posts), donors, KSC Branches and Members, and Dinner attendees. Many thanks also go to the members of the Organising Committee, who have worked hard all year to plan this year's successful Dinner.

We look forward to your attendance at next year's Archbishop's Dinner.