KOREA
Korea Chair: Silvano Yongmaan Park KMG
T
he Order of Malta Korea consists of 13 members – four Knights, seven Dames, Magistral Chaplain Matthew Jong-chan Byeon, and H.E. Cardinal Andrew Yeom, Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion. We have more than 200 registered volunteers who are mostly family, friends or colleagues of members, regardless of religious background. Twenty-five volunteers participate regularly in the activities on a weekly basis each month. Since the very early days, managing the volunteer group has been the Order of Malta Korea’s core aim by which we were able to develop, expand and maintain our hospitaller works and discover the potential for future projects. These volunteers are protected not only by the prayers we say at the beginning and end of each activity, but also by the strict health and safety guideline we practice. They are appreciated by the members and their selfless efforts are celebrated each year at a fun and music-filled year-end party we throw for the volunteers. On 16 December, President Silvano Yongmaan Park hosted a party where nearly 100 volunteers attended. They were wildly welcomed by our members. Everyone surprised one another with their shining styles, given that we spent the entire year seeing each other only in our work uniforms, aprons, and masks. Celebrating the year of sharing over the growing number of services and volunteers felt good. We are truly grateful for all than we can share and with our wonderful volunteers. Lunch box In 2019, our four-year-old Lunch Box project at Catholic House of Love and Peace continued to grow. This service expanded from twice a week to four times
a week, with weekly services averaging attendance from 15 members and volunteers. A total 12,600 lunch boxes were cooked and packed through 44 services, serving an average 300 slum neighbours per service. Nearly 50 volunteers, mostly regular volunteers who show up every month, some of them even twice a month, have participated regardless of the weather condition, Among the forgotten neighbours in the slums whom we serve the lunchboxes regularly, there are quite a number who suffer from various types of disorder or impairment that prevent them from digesting solid food. For those in such condition, we provide rice porridge cooked with minced vegetables, helping them to recover with enough nutrition. Jacket for Life The Jacket for Life project kicked off in December 2018. It provides necessities for the homeless, including a special winter jacket that turns into a sleeping bag. A total of 300 jackets were distributed to the homeless near major train and subway stations in
Top right: In 2019 the Lunch Box service expanded to four times a week. A total 12,600 lunch boxes were prepared for an average 300 slum neighbours per week. Right: Attendees at the Order of Malta Investiture Mass 2019 in Seoul, Korea. 32
2019 Australian Hospitaller
