THE YOUNG ORDER OF MALTA – INTERVIEW WITH SECRETARY OLIVIA MEESE
The Young Order of Malta (YOOM) is under the auspices of the NSW Branch of the Order. Olivia Meese, Secretary of YOOM, explains more about this initiative.
WHAT IS YOOM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
Like the Order itself, YOOM is passionate about defending our faith, and caring for the sick and the poor. We do this through our own projects such as the Homecoming Working Bees, and also teaming up with the “senior” Order. We often assist at Order events such as the Sydney Lourdes Day Mass celebrations and the Lecture Series, and they support our Mentoring program. We also participate at the Gorman House barbecues, send people on overseas projects, such as helping malades at Lourdes, and have plenty of social events for like minded young Catholic professionals.
WHAT IS THE HOMECOMING PROJECT?
We’re very proud of the Homecoming project. It involves us visiting the homes of elderly parishioners who live alone, both to tackle a household job with which they need help, but also to share friendship and company. Mother Teresa said that loneliness was the great poverty of the rich countries. In an economically strong country like Australia, this is particularly the case. How often do we see senior Australians at Mass by themselves? At first we weren’t sure how easily conversation would flow, but we’ve found that our common faith makes it easy to bridge the so-called “generation gap”. It’s been incredibly rewarding both for us and our clients.
WHAT IS THE MENTORING PROGRAM?
The Order is blessed to have so many successful professionals among its membership and our Mentoring program is the perfect way to connect Knights and Dames with those who hope to be the future of the Order. It’s not just about career advice; the Mentors help young Catholic graduates and professionals deal with the various challenges that we face in our working environments.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
We’d love to involve more young Catholic adults, particularly those leaving university or working. If they’re interested, they should like our Facebook page facebook.com/orderofmalta or email info.yoom@gmail.com
Related links:
Volunteer profile – Lourdes 2012 pilgrimage
Volunteer profile – Gorman House Detoxification Unit
Christmas at Gorman House Detoxification Unit
Watch an inspirational video from Gorman House Detoxification Unit
Listen to Prof Rowland’s lecture on the theological virtues of faith, hope and love