Order Malta summer camp

Order of malta volunter tour guides prep

The Order of Malta is a wonderful organisation and it was a honour and a privilege to volunteer for them during their International Holiday Camp this year. The Knights of Malta was first formed in the 1099. Since 1099, its purpose has been to assist the poor. It is one of the world's oldest orders and it first took shape in Jerusalem. The Order's purpose was to take care of the pilgrims in the Holy Land during the Crusades. They were also a famous military order. Its original function was to provide sanctuary for knights in their hospitals during the Crusades. The Order of Malta is now based in Rome and it provides medical care, social support and outreach programmes around the world.

The Order in 1099 was a famous owing to their work during the Crusades. Over this time, they accumulated massive wealth. Since then the Order has moved from island to island. Around 1290 they were based in Cyprus, they then got expelled by the Muslims and moved to Rhodes where they were also expelled before finally settling in Malta. I think they chose wisely with the island of Malta, as they survived the famous siege led by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1566. At this point I feel, the Knights were truly at their bravest withstanding wave after wave of vicious attacks.

Over my life, I have gained a great appreciation for the Order of Malta because of my mother's family, who have always been associated with the Order. They are still relevant in the modern world through their work in helping others. for example, I help in the soup kitchen on Thursdays which serves the poor and homeless from around Marylebone in London.

The famous White Knights Ball it takes place every year in Grovesnor hotel. This is a prestigious event within the Order of Malta. All of the proceeds and the money go straight to charity and to support the good works of the Order. I believe it is a great event as the investors have a great evening whilst the money goes to help people. The White Knights Ball, in my opinion, is the best ball in London. It has an odd Catholic element that most people understand since they are Catholic. Yet, the new ones do not understand the Catholic emphasis and are puzzled by the capes and the formal customs of the Knights at the ball. It is a sensation being at the White Knights Ball for me, as it is like meeting a bunch of old friends who I feel completely at home with.

The Order of Malta is considered by some to be a secret society, one of the oldest in fact, and that they are the power behind the Pope and the throne in the Vatican. In medieval times this may have been the case, as they tended to be among the Pope's closest advisers (and The Grand Master, who is the head of the Order, has the same power as a cardinal). However, this is not the case at present. The Order of Malta is always there on the international stage. It even has an un-elected seat in the UN. Moreover, the Order of Malta does a lot of a aid work in countries all over the globe.

For the International Holiday Camp in London, it was a privilege to be accepted as one of the Order's volunteer tour guides. It was an a honour to look after the guests of various countries and it was humbling to be a part of something bigger than myself. Being a part of the Order of Malta is like having a extended family. During this year's summer camp (which happens every year in a different country in which the Order operates), I looked after the Ukraine. As a tour guide, I took the guests all around the London tourist hot spots, like the London eye, where I was able to give a unique tour of London from the skyline. Following the London Eye, I gave them a brief tour of Westminster Abbey, then Horse Guards Parade.

On my second day as tour guide, because of the inclement weather, we had to change plans and, as such I gave the guests from Netherlands a special improvised tour of the Southbank Centre. They were charming and excellent singers; they have great voices.

The Order of Malta is still very much alive today, mostly as a charity which helps the communities both within and without the Church. The Order of Malta is also vital to modern society as it engages young Catholics with the Church. It makes them feel useful. I know I did after being able to use my tour guiding experience to help the guests. It was wonderful doing all the hot spots of London like Westminster palace. It was a unique tour guiding experience to say the least.

In conclusion, it was a privilege to help the guests and become more a part of this ancient Order. It felt wonderful to be useful and to share my historical knowledge on a international stage. I am lucky to have been able to meet so many wonderful guests. It really is like being part of a big family. It was a life changing experience to help the amazing guests. It was a privilege to be of use to the order of Malta and the guests. It is lovely to be a part of something bigger than yourself.