Jack Moore, a former trustee of Backhaus Estate and Catholic Healthcare in Bendigo, has been honoured with one of the Catholic Church's highest recognitions. Jack was instituted as a Knight of St Gregory the Great during Mass at St Therese’s, Kennington last week, following a nomination by the Catholic Community of Sandhurst and Bishop Shane Mackinlay.
Bishop Shane spoke highly of Jack’s lifelong dedication and contribution to the Diocese. "Jack has shown extraordinary commitment to our community through his work with the Backhaus Estate and Catholic Healthcare," Bishop Mackinlay said. "His selfless service and leadership are an inspiration to many, and it is fitting that the Church acknowledges his efforts in this way."
Fr Jake Mudge, Parish Priest of Kennington, read Bishop Shane’s Citation to the congregation. It summarised Jack’s thirty-five years of exemplary service to the Church, particularly to the Diocese of Sandhurst in his long-held roles as Trustee of the Backhaus Estate and Chair of the Catholic Hospital in Bendigo as well as serving on the boards of two major Catholic healthcare providers.
Jack says the honour was completely unexpected. “I was quite stunned when Fr Jake Mudge read out Bishop Shane’s citation,” he said. “Bishop Shane had told me he had something from the Vatican; I was expecting a certificate of appreciation, this Knighthood is the last thing I ever expected,” he said.
Jack says he is honoured to accept this award but also very humbled, crediting his wife Jennifer and the community around him who supported him in his various voluntary board roles. He also acknowledged the service of others which may not be so obvious. “There are many people who are doing so much good work in quiet ways, so I feel humbled.” Jack credits his
For Jack, the experience of serving on the various boards in the Diocese was reward enough in itself. “I got as much out of it as I put into it. I met wonderful people and saw lots of different things; it expanded my world. I’m very grateful to have had such wonderful opportunities.”
Jack says he encourages anyone to consider serving in such roles if the opportunity presents itself. “Go for it, even if it’s difficult to find the time, it will be worthwhile, not just for the cause you serve, but for you as a person. You don’t have to be an expert, you just need to be prepared to listen, to learn and to grow.”
The Pontifical Equestrian Order of Pope Gregory the Great was established by Pope Gregory XV on 1 September 1831. It’s bestowed by authority of the Pope, following a detailed nomination process, in recognition of a person’s service to the Church and society and witness to their Catholic faith in a sustained and exemplary way.
