Mr Jordan Grantham was awarded the scholarship on Thursday 11 February in Bendigo in the presence of Mr Carmine Miranda, Victorian State Chairman of the Knights of the Southern Cross and Mr Tom Dobeli, Bendigo Branch Chairman. Channel 9 Central Victoria and the Bendigo Advertiser reported on the event.
“The Knights of the Southern Cross are a culturally diverse Catholic men’s organisation supporting the clergy and promoting Catholic values,” Mr Miranda said.
Some years ago a life member left the Knights of the Southern Cross in Victoria bequest for us to use to provide education scholarships.
“In 2021 we are proud to use some of Wally Martin’s funds to support a scholarship grant for Jordan Grantham, which is also being supported by the local Bendigo Branch of the Knights of the Southern Cross.”
“We are pleased to be able to assist and help Jordan complete his professional education whilst not having to worry about how he would fund the course.”
“We look forward to Jordan’s future contribution to the Knights of the Southern Cross and we see a lot of leadership potential in him.”
“We encourage Catholic men to join the Knights of the Southern Cross and get involved in the good charitable works we involve ourselves with.”
“I am very lucky and grateful to the Knights of the Southern Cross for their support,” Jordan said.
While the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic is likely to prevent Jordan from physically participating in the upcoming Harvard Summer School, he believes the educational opportunity will be just as valuable to his work in public relations and media for the Church.
“Over two years ago I took the road less travelled coming to Bendigo to work for the Church, leaving home, family, friends and better employment in worldly terms, in order to better serve the Church in the unlikely task of improving the public perception of the Catholic Church,” Jordan said.
“Improving the public representation of the faith is something I have a particular passion for because the negative events of recent years has obscured people’s recognition of the profoundly beautiful, spiritual and mystical nature of the Catholic faith, in which everyone will find the ultimate meaning and purpose of their lives.”
“This is desperately needed in our despairing and spiritually impoverished society,” he said.
“My mission is shared by the Knights of the Southern Cross in their work to promote Catholic values and I see the scholarship as a recognition of our shared mission, the value of my work and the expertise I continue to develop.”
“I must also say that as a young member of the Knights I deeply appreciate the friendship, solidarity and camaraderie from members of the Bendigo Branch.”
Jordan Grantham with Knights of the Southern Cross Bendigo Chair Tom Dobelli; and Carmine Miranda, Knights of the Southern Cross State Chairman; outside Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo.
