The National Oblate Youth Encounter brings together young people from across Australia to deepen their faith, reflect on service, and explore what it means to live out dignity and compassion in everyday life. In this reflection, Rosies volunteer Matthew Perissinotto shares his experience of NOYE and how it strengthened his understanding of the Rosies mission, reaffirmed the power of simple human connection, and deepened his appreciation of our ongoing relationship with the Oblates.
“Your love can be someone’s transformation. A simple hello, a simple greeting, can change someone’s life”. These words from one of the speakers at the National Oblate Youth Encounter (NOYE) summarize both the mission of Rosies and the lesson I learnt over this 4-day camp.
Going into NOYE was a bit daunting – I didn’t know anyone, or really what to expect. I had come on the recommendation of Fr Josh, the Rosies Chaplain, without a lot of information and I went into it with an open heart. What I found was a 4-day experience of prayer, talks, and workshops themed around ‘The Road – Humanity, Christianity, Holiness’. Through these activities, we learnt about the importance of humanity dignity as a basis for Christian life and ultimately holiness, and the importance of affirming that dignity through simple acts of human kindness. Seeing this laid out so clearly helped me understand the importance of what we do at Rosies. The small encounters I’ve engaged in so regularly – passing over a cup of coffee or a conversation over cordial and biscuits – are a way of practically living my values and affirming to the person in front of me, ‘you matter, you are loved, you are created in God’s image and likeness’. It definitely made me want to be more involved in Rosies.
Meeting other young people committed to this mission was a rejuvenating experience in a world that can be characterized by apathy and disconnection. Coming away from the event, I have new friends, and a renewed energy to participate in Rosie’s mission to the margins of society. I would definitely recommend that other people participate in NOYE in the future, and I am so grateful for this experience.
