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A GOOD CATHOLIC, MEDDLES, IN POLITICS

”Not one of us can say: this doesn't affect me, they are the ones who govern. No, I too am responsible for the way they govern and I must do what I can to help them govern well, by participating in politics when I can. Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: A good Catholic meddles in politics.

Pope FrancisHomily, Santa Marta 16/09/2023
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Who?

01. Who?

If you are between 18-30 years old, interested in socio-political issues, and would like to contribute towards the building of a more just and fair society, this project is for you!

If you believe that:

  • Positive change in society is possible, and starts with our individual participation,
  • Giving up is not an option,
  • Politics, when directed towards the common good, is one of the highest forms of charity,

we invite you to register your interest in “Hope Gen”, a one-year journey of community-building, reflection and action promoting active and responsible citizenship.

02. Goal

The goal of this project is to encourage the development of a hopeful generation.

The necessary spaces, tools and resources will be provided to empower a community of young people willing to engage in attentive listening, respectful dialogue and meaningful action. These are needed to confront and tackle the multiple challenges, injustices and uncertainties we face on a local and global level.

Inspired and guided by the values and principles of Catholic Social Teaching, this year-long journey is open to all young people of goodwill who wish to be generators of hope in their respective educational communities, villages and towns, in the workplace and among their families and friends.

03. What will it involve?

A maximum of two meetings per month will be held between February 2024 – January 2025.

  • After an initial period of group-building activities, the group’s knowledge of Malta’s socio-political landscape and recent history will be enhanced through on-site visits, input from experts and group discussions.
  • Examples of good practice, testimonies from people actively involved in socio-political issues, and a presentation of the principles and values of Catholic Social Teaching will assist the young people in identifying avenues of hopeful action.
  • A workshop will be held over a non-residential weekend to strengthen the soft skills of participants. This will enable them to match the needs of society with their skills and interests and to act – with others – in campaigning for the desired change.
  • During the last part of the project, young participants will be working in small groups on a mini-campaign which will seek to address a social justice or environmental issue which participants themselves would have identified as requiring particular attention.

Meet the Team

Say hello to our team behind HopeGen and learn about their passion for creating a better world.

Benjamin Flores Martin

MCYN - Delegate for Youth

MCYN is the youth office within the Archdiocese of Malta. We want to get in touch with other young people and share our vision!

Mark Cachia

Justice and Peace - Executive Officer

Mark studied philosophy in Padova and theology in Paris and Madrid where he specialised in Moral Theology. He worked for a number of years at JRS Malta and was involved in various social initiatives in Malta and abroad. He joined the Commission as Executive Officer in August 2021.