The Maronite Youth Organisation (MYO) is dedicated to fostering and strengthening the faith, commitment, and fellowship of the youth of Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral. Recognising that the youth are the future of the parish, the MYO provides an environment where their spiritual needs are nurtured and supported.
Over the past two years, the MYO has delivered a range of spiritual, social, and community initiatives. The annual Youth Night Market, first held in October 2023, brought together over 1,800 young people for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun, raising more than $30,000 to support youth programs.
The MYO has also hosted pre-Lenten retreats to provide focused time for spiritual growth. In February 2024, over 120 youth attended a retreat themed “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” In February 2025, another 120 youth participated in a retreat at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre with the theme “My soul yearns and hopes for the Lord.” These retreats included Mass, prayer, adoration, practical faith talks led by Fr Charbel Dib, discussion groups, and other activities, offering the youth an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and strengthen fellowship.
Regular parish programs include Sunday night dinners, Youth Hour during First Friday Adoration, Wednesday night youth Mass, Tuesday night book club discussions, and a weekly faith-talk series on the Seven Mysteries. Youth members also participate in Fiat and Exodus challenges, aged care and hospital visits, the World’s Greatest Shave, and other charitable and social activities.
“Theology Under the Stars” is a youth-led initiative held on the last Wednesday night of each month, providing a space for theological and ethical discussion, spiritual growth, and friendship-building under the night sky. This initiative encourages critical thinking, open dialogue, and engagement with faith in a contemporary context.
Through these activities, the MYO continues to inspire hope, nurture faith, and foster a strong sense of community among the youth of the parish, preparing them to be active, spiritually grounded members of the Church.