Actors from Italian group “Il Porto dei piccoli’ at Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Actors from Italian Association “Il Porto dei piccoli’ were at Id-Dar tal-Providenza to give performances of songs and mime to the residents who greeted them with enthusiasm and applause. “Il Porto dei piccoli” is a non-profit organisation based in Genoa that last year celebrated its tenth anniversary.

The organisation tries to bring joy and fun to children who are hospitalied, seriously ill or undergoing special therapy together with their families. The main themes of their performances are the sea, the port and nature.

Atturi mill-grupp taljan “Il Porto dei piccoli” fid-Dar tal-Providenza

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Membri tal-Assoċċjazzjoni Taljana minn Genova “Il Porto dei piccoli” żaru id-Dar tal-Providenza u taw rappreżentazzjoni ta’ kant u mima lir-residenti li laqgħuhom b’entużjażmu u ċapċip. “Il Porto dei piccoli” hija assoċċjazzjoni li s-sena l-oħra għalqet għaxar snin.

Bir-rappreżentazzjonijiet tagħhom il-membri tal-grupp, li huma fil-biċċa l-kbira atturi, jipprovaw inisslu ferħ u jagħtu gost lil tfal li jkunu l-isptar, morda serjament jew għaddejjin minn terapija speċjali u lill-familji tagħhom. It-temi tal-preżentazzjonijiet tagħhom huma ispirati mill-baħar, il-port u n-natura.

Palazzo Castelletti jiċċelebra b’risq Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Palazzo Castelletti ċċelebra t-tielet anniversarju tiegħu u għamlu donazzjoni ta’ €1,150 lid-Dar tal-Providenza. Is-somma nġabret minn fost il-mistednin għal ikla mill-aqwa  akkompanjata minn preżentazzjoni ta’ nbejjed Awstraljani minn Josef Bonello.

Is-Sur Keith Psaila, Managing Director tal-kumpless ippreżenta ċ-ċekk lil Fr Martin Micallef, Direttur tad-Dar tal-Providenza li minn naħa tiegħu irringrazzjah f’isem ir-residenti tad-Dar fis-Siġġiewi għal dan il-ġest sabiħ ta’ solidarjetà.

Palazzo Castelletti celebrates in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Palazzo Castelletti celebrated its third anniversary and donated €1,150 to Id-Dar tal-Providenza. The proceeds came from a five-course tasting menu combined with a wine pairing presented by Josef Bonello featuring an array of South Australian wines.

Mr Keith Psaila, Managing Director of the complex presented the cheque to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza who in turn thanked him for this gesture of solidarity on behalf of the residents of the Siġġiewi Home.

Premiere tal-Oratorju “Canticum Vitae” – (L-Għanja tal-Ħajja) ċelebrazzjoni tal-Inklużjoni fil-Kon-Katidral ta’ San Gwann

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Udjenza sabiħa attendiet għall-Premiere tal-Oratorju “Canticum Vitae” – L-Għanja tal-Ħajja fil-Kon-Katidral ta’ San Gwann. L-Oratorju, li kien ċelebrazzjoni tal-Inklużjoni, kien esegwit tant tajjeb mill-Orkestra Filarmonika ta’ Malta taħt id-direzzjoni tal-kompożitur stess Mro. Hermann Farrugia Frantz. Kien hemm ukoll is-sehem tas-sopran Francesca Aquilina, it-tenur Charles Vincenti u l-baritonu Alfred Camilleri bl-akkompanjament tal-Cor Bel Canto.

F’kelmtejn tal-okkażjoni, Mons Arċisqof Charles J. Scicluna irrefera għat-test  ta’ ‘Canticum Vitae’  minsuġ tant tajjeb minn Mons Lawrence Gatt, ex-Direttur tad-Dar tal-Providenza. L-Arċisqof tenna li fih hemm l-għerf tal-Kelma ta’ Alla li tgħidilna kemm hu sabiħ li aħna nkunu flimkien, li nkunu aħwa flimkien.  Id-Dar tal-Providenza hija monument għal dan is-sentiment profond ta’ fraternità inklussiva.  Hija glorja tal-Knisja f’Malta.  Hija anteċipazzjoni anke tal-enfasi li jagħmel il-Papa Franġisku fil-ġesti kollha tiegħu, fil-kliem tiegħu. L-Arċisqof Scicluna saħaq li l-Knisja f’Malta hija mpenjata li l-Kelma ta’ Kristu tissarraf dejjem f’kelma sħiħa ta’ sbuħija u ta’ karità.

Fil-bidu tas-serata, id-Direttur tad-Dar, Fr Martin Micallef qal li bl-Oratorju uniku ‘Canticum Vitae’ id-Dar tal-Providenza xtaqet turi l-apprezzament żgħir tagħha lill-poplu Malti u Għawdxi tal-appoġġ kontinwu tiegħu biex id-Dar tkun tista’ tkompli toffru servizzi residenzjali tal-għola kwalità li jduru mal-bżonnijiet tal-persuna b’rispett sħiħ lejn id-dinjità u d-drittijiet tagħha.  Fr Martin ħeġġeġ lil dawk preżenti biex waqt li jitpaxxew jisimgħu l-interpretazzjoni mużikali tas-siltiet mill-Bibbja magħżula b’reqqa kbira minn Mons Gatt, ikunu aktar persuni li jinkludu u mhux li jeskludu għax hija ħaġa sabiħa u ħelwa li l-aħwa jgħammru flimkien – li nkunu llkoll ħaġa waħda bejnietna. Fr Martin temm jgħid: “Ejjew nibdlu l-messaġġ tal-Bibbja dwar l-inklużjoni f’azzjoni.” 

Id-dħul kollu minn dan l-Oratorju jmur għad-Dar tal-Providenza biex tkun tista’ tkompli bil-ħidma tagħha biex ir-residenti tagħha jtejbu u jużaw l-abbiltajiet tagħhom bl-aħjar mod possibbli biex jiġi żgurat is-sehem sħiħ tagħhom fis-soċjetà.

Ħajr imur lill-Fondazzjoni tal-Kon-Katidral ta’ San Ġwann, il-Kompożitur u Direttur Mro Hermann Farrugia Frantz, Mons Lawrence Gatt, l-Orkestra Filarmonika ta’ Malta flimkien mas-solisti Francesca Aquilina, Charles Vincenti u Alfred Camilleri u l-Cor Bel Canto, l-Għaqda Bibblika Maltija, Dun Nikol Aquilina, il-Kunsill Malti tal-Arti, lis-Sur Francis J. Vassallo, benefattur li xtaq jibqa’ anonimu, lill-PBS, Radju RTK, One u Radio 101, lis-Sur Robert Vassallo ta’ RJ Vidoes, lis-Sur Pierre Portelli, lis-Sur Joe Chetcuti, lis-Sur Ryan Pace, Il-Banda 12th May ta’ Ħaż-Żebbuġ, u mhux l-anqas lis-Sur Tonio Bonello.

Premiere of Oratorio “Canticum Vitae” – (Song of Life) a celebration of Inclusion at St John’s Co-Cathedral

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St John’s Co-Cathedral was packed for the Premiere of the Oratorio “Canticum Vitae” (Song of Life). The Oratorio, which was a celebration of Inclusion, was executed in style by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of the composer himself, Mro Hermann Farrugia Frantz. Also taking part were soprano  Francesca Aquilina, tenor Charles Vincenti and baritone Alfred Camilleri accompanied by the Cor Bel Canto.

In a short address, Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna referred to the text of ‘Canticum Vitae’ so beautifully gelled together by Mgr Lawrence Gatt, ex-Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. The Archbishop asserted that it has the wisdom of the Word of God that illustrates how beautiful it is to be together, to be brethren together. Id-Dar tal-Providenza is indeed a monument to this profound feeling of fraternal inclusion. It is a glorious aspect of the Church in Malta. It also reflects the emphasis that Pope Francis makes so often in all his gestures and in his words. Archbishop Scicluna stressed that the Church in Malta is committed that the Word of Christ always translates itself in beauty and charity.

Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, introduced the Oratorio ‘Canticum Vitae’ by saying that the Home wanted to show its small appreciation towards the Maltese and Gozitans for their continuous support making it possible to continue offering residential services of the highest quality for the needs of the human person in full respect for its dignity and rights. Fr Martin appealed to those present to enjoy the musical interpretation of the extracts from the Bible so aptly chosen by Mgr Gatt, but also to be inclusive rather than exclusive because it is a nice and warm feeling to live together as brethren. He ended by saying that we should change the Bible message of inclusion into action.

Revenue from this Premiere goes to Id-Dar tal-Providenza so that it can continue on its mission to see that residents improve and use their abilities in the best possible way so as to ensure their full participation in society.

Fr Martin thanked the Foundation of the Co-Cathedral of St John, the composer and director Mro Hermann Farrugia Frantz, Mgr Lawrence Gatt, the Malta Philharmonic Orchesta together with soloists Francesca Aquilina, Charles Vincenti and Alfred Camilleri and the  Cor Bel Canto, the Malta Bible Society, Fr Nikol Aquilina, the Malta Arts Council, Mr Francis J. Vassallo, a benefactor who wished to remain anonymos, PBS, Radio RTK, One Radio and Radio 101, Mr Robert Vassallo of RJ Vidoes, Mr Pierre Portelli, Mr Joe Chetcuti, Mr Ryan Pace, the 12th May Band of Żebbuġ, and last but not least Mr Tonio Bonello.

L-Assoċċjazzjoni Maltija tal-Ordni Sovrana ta’ Malta tisponsorja żewġ vannijiet b’aċċessibilità sħiħa għar-residenti tad-Dar tal-Providenza

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L-Assoċċjazzjoni Maltija tal-Ordni Sovrana ta’ Malta u l-Global Fund for Forgotten People–Order of Maltasponsorjaw żewġ vetturi minn seba’ li Id-Dar tal-Providenza investiet fihom din is-sena għal aktar aċċessibilità mir-residenti tad-Dar.  Dawn il-vetturi jakkomodaw sa sittax-il persuna u sitt siġġijiet bir-roti. Il-President tal-Assoċċjazzjoni Maltija, il-Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata ippreżenta l-vannijiet lil Fr Martin Micallef, Direttur tad-Dar tal-Providenza. Huwa qal li jħossuhom kburin bl-assoċċjazzjoni li teżisti bejnhom u Id-Dar tal-Providenza u daqstant kburin li qed jgħinu b’xi mod biex ikomplu jtejjbu l-aċċessibilità tar-residenti kif ukoll il-kwalità tal-ħajja tagħhom.

Fr Martin saħaq li t-trasport aċċessibbli għall-persuni b’diżabilità joffrilhom opportunitajiet indaqs għal inklużjoni soċjali u għażliet ta’ impjiegi. Huwa żied jgħid li l-viżjoni komuni fid-Dar tal-Providenza hi li tara li kull resident ikun involut f’attivitajiet fil-komunità. Dan is-sehem u impenn jista’ jintlaħaq billi jkun hemm trasport li jkun aċċessibbli għalihom. B’hekk ir-residenti jistgħu jieħdu sehem regolari f’aspetti differenti ta’ ħajjithom bħala ċittadini ugwali fis-soċjetà. Għal dan il-għan Id-Dar tħaddem tlettax-il persuna biex jgħinu fit-trasport tagħhom.  Id-Dar tibbenefika wkoll mis-servizz b’xejn ta’ trasport ipprovdut mill-Aġenzija Sapport biex ir-residenti jmorru Ċentri ta’ taħriġ.

Fr Martin radd ħajr lill-Assoċċjazzjoni Maltija tal-Ordni Sovrana ta’ Malta li sponsorjat ix-xiri taż-żewġ vetturi kif ukoll l-ispejjez għall-użu tagħhom fis-snin li ġejjin. L-Assoċċjazzjoni Maltija minn dejjem tat appoġġ kbir lid-Dar tal-Providenza kemm fil-provvediment ta’ mezzi ta’ trasport aċċessibbli kif ukoll fl-għajnuna li tagħti kull sena biex residenti tad-Dar ikunu jistgħu imorru fil-pellegrinaġġ għal Lourdes.

Mons Lawrence Gatt, Kappillan ewlieni tal-Assoċċjazzjoni Maltija tal-Ordni Sovrana ta’ Malta u ex-Direttur tad-Dar tal-Providenza bierek iż-żewġ vannijiet.

The Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta sponsors two fully accessible vans for residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta has sponsored two fully accessible vans out of seven that Id-Dar tal-Providenza has invested in this year to ensure more accessibility for its residents. These vehicles are sixteen seater Tail Lift Coaches that can also accommodate up to six wheelchairs each. The President of the  Maltese Association, Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata presented the two vans to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. He said that they were proud of the ongoing association with the Siġġiewi Home and just as proud that they are helping in some small way in increasing accessability for the residents leading to a better quality of life.

In a short address, Fr Martin emphasized that accessible transport for persons with disability offers them equal opportunities for social inclusion and employment options. He added that the shared vision at Id-Dar tal-Providenza is to have every resident involved while participating in the community. The participation and engagement requires having access to safe, available and accessible transport. The Home employs thirteen persons to help out in the transportation of its residents and they will therefore have more access participating in different aspects of their lives as equal citizens of our society.  The Home also benefits from free transport services provided by Agenzija Sapport for residents to be able to go regularly to Training Centres.

Fr Martin thanked The Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta for sponsoring the purchase and the running expenses in the coming years. It has always been of support to Id-Dar tal-Providenza in providing accessible transport and to seeing that some its residents take part in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes.

The vans were blessed by Mgr Lawrence Gatt, Chaplain of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta and ex-Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

Inauguration of a new, state of the art aquatherapy pool for Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna officially inaugurated and blessed a new, state-of-the-art aquatherapy pool for the use of the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. In his address Archbishop Scicluna said that aquatherapy is a profound concept dear to our Christian culture. We start with our walk in life as babies administered with the Sacrament of Baptism that uses water as therapy for the soul. Christ also started his public life with his baptism in the waters of the Jordan by John the Baptist. Archbishop Scicluna said that Id-Dar tal-Providenza has always offered therapy for its residents with various disabilities that are surrounded and buoyed by an environment of solidarity that they are part of. He highlighted the many values that need urgent attention, one of them being the sea that surrounds us.

Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, referred to what the late Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca said during his homily at the funeral of Mgr. Mikiel Azzopardi: “…Go with your mind at rest. Rest assured, Dun Mikiel, that all initiatives started by you will be continued.” This bold statement, said Fr Martin, put a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of administrators and workers at the Home in Siġġiewi. It was indeed prophetic as from that day on that is exactly what happened with God’s help and it is hoped that things will proceed along those lines in the future. The aquatherapy pool project, that was inaugurated on Friday 4th November is another good example of the commitment of all those responsible for the running of Id-Dar tal-Providenza as well as of the wish of the Maltese nation that Dun Mikiel’s dream will continue to be acted upon.

Other speakers were Architect John Papagiorcopulo, works coordinator; Mrs Margaret Vella, Senior Physiotherapist at the Home; Mr Tonio Mercieca, resident at Dar Akkwarell in Qawra; Mrs Grace Darmanin, ex-Chairperson of The Malta Memorial District Nursing Association (MMDNA) as well Ing. Roberto Bardasi of the Italian firm A-Circle Habilitation Concept, who were responsible for the design and execution of the aquatherapy pool project.

4th November 2016

Inawgurazzjoni ta’ pixxina terapewtika moderna fid-Dar tal-Providenza

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Mons. Arċisqof Charles J. Scicluna inawgura uffiċċjalment u bierek pixxina terapewtika ġdida u moderna għall-aħħar biex tintuża mir-residenti tad-Dar tal-Providenza. F’diskors li għamel, l-Arċisqof Scicluna qal li t-terapija tal-ilma jew Aquatherapy huwa kunċett profond u għażiż għall-kultura nisranija tagħna li permezz tas-Sagrament tal-Magħmudija tagħti bidu għall-ħajja permezz tal-ilma bħala terapija għar-ruħ. L-Arċisqof fakkar li Kristu wkoll beda l-ħajja pubblika permezz tal-Magħmudija fl-ilma tal-Ġordan minn Ġwanni l-Battista. Id-Dar tal-Providenza hija wkoll terapija għar-residenti tagħha b’diżabiltajiet varji imma huwa mdawwrin mill-ambjent ta’ solidarjetà li jgħixu fih. Huwa fakkar fil-ħafna valuri li jeħtieġu attenzjoni urġenti. Wieħed minnhom huwa il-baħar li jdawwar il-gżejjer tagħna.

Fr Martin Micallef, id-Direttur tad-Dar tal-Providenza irrefera għall-kliem li l-mibki Monsinjur Arċisqof Ġużeppi Mercieca kien qal fil-funeral ta’ Mons Mikiel Azzopardi: “Mur b’moħħok b’mistrieħ. Serraħ rasek, Dun Mikiel għax l-inizjattivi kollha li bdejt se jitkomplew.”  Din l-istqarrija, kompla jgħid Fr Martin, tefgħet responsabiltà kbira fuq dawk li jmexxu u jaħdmu fid-Dar tas-Siġġiewi.  Kien kliem profetiku għax minn dak iż-żmien sal-lum bil-għajnuna ta’ Alla hekk ġara u hekk hija t-tama li jkompli jiġri fil-ġejjieni. Il-proġett tal-pixxina terapewtika li ġie inawgurat il-Ġimgħa 4 ta’ Novembru huwa turija oħra tal-impenn ta’ kull min hu responabbli mit-tmexxija tad-Dar kif ukoll tax-xewqa tal-poplu Malti u Għawdxi li l-ħolma ta’ Dun Mikiel titkompla.

Kelliema oħra kienu l-Perit John Papagiorcopulo, koordinatur tax-xogħol tal-bini tal-pixxina, is-Sinjura Margaret Vella, Fiżjoterapista ewlenija tad-Dar, is-Sur Tonio Mercieca, persuna b’diżabilità, resident f’Dar Akkwarell fil-Qawra, is-Sinjura Grace Darmanin, ex-Chairperson tal-Malta Memorial District Nursing Association (MMDNA) kif ukoll l-Inġinier Roberto Bardasi mill-kumpanija Taljana A-Circle Habilitation Concept li kienet responsabbli mid-disinn u l-esekuzzjoni tal-proġett tal-pixxina terapewtika.

4 ta’ Novembru 2016