Mass for the repose of the soul of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi

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On Saturday, 10th May, id-Dar tal-Providenza together with the Malta Catholic Action organised a mass for the repose of the soul of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, the Home’s founder, on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of his death. He died on May 13th 1987 aged 77 years.

The mass was celebrated by Fr Reuben Gauci, the Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Youth Catholic Action (ZAK), assisted by Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. In attendance for this mass were the Home’s residents, employees and volunteers, the Directorate of the Malta Catholic Action and the residents of Casa Leone, a Church’s home for the elderly in St. Julians.

In his homily, Fr Martin spoke of the qualities of the Good Shepherd and said that these were reflected in persons that were gifted to us by God amongst whom were the lamented Pope Francis, our new Pope, Leo XIV and Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. Mgr Micallef pointed out that we are all called to be shepherds according to God’s heart and according to our particular calling and all the environments that we live and work in.

At the end of the mass, the President of the Malta Catholic Action, Marija Cachia, thanked the residents and employees of Id-Dar tal-Providenza for their welcome, as well as the Casa Leone residents who together with those responsible for the administration of the home and the Diocesan office for the Homes of the Elderly accepted the invitation to attend. This is an annual appointment not only as a sign of respect for Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi but also with respect for those he represents. As Fr Martin explained in his homily Mgr Azzopardi always put the Gospel in practice especially with respect towards the dignity of every person from conception to natural death.

Pope Leo XIV reminded us that God loves everyone unconditionally. Maybe these are words that we as a society need to continually remind ourselves of.

Rest in peace, Frankie

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Frankie Bonello, a resident for many years at Id-Dar tal-Providenza, passed away on Sunday, 11th May 2025, evening and joined the Lord.

Frankie was the face of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, had a jovial character and was a friend to all and everybody was his friend.

In a facebook post, Mgr Martin Micallef said that ten years ago Frankie had the opportunity to meet and embrace Pope Francis, near Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who was part of the group of residents, workers and volunteers who were in Rome on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, had said that the residents had waited anxiously for the arrival of the Pope and Frankie grabbed the opportunity to hug Pope Francis three times. And the Pope loved that,

Fr Martin said that he is sure that Frankie hugged Pope Francis once again, this time in heaven were both of them are enjoying the presence of the Lord. For all those who knew him, Frankie remains a person enriched with a sincere and genuine love.

Frankie’s funeral is taking place on Thursday 15th May 2025 in the Home’s chapel at 4.00pm.

BOV Volleyball Marathon 2025 player applications open

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As Id-Dar tal-Providenza proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are excited to launch the 15th edition of the BOV Volleyball Marathon, a much-loved annual event that unites sport, solidarity and community spirit.

This year’s 53-hour marathon will take place between the 18th and 20th July 2025 at Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi—and applications for player-volunteers are officially open!

Whether you’re a volleyball enthusiast or simply eager to contribute your energy to a great cause, we welcome you to be part of this incredible experience. Every serve, spike and smile helps support the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza and the vital services we offer.

Before applying, make sure to read the Rules & Regulations 2025

The applicant must complete the form on BOV Volleyball Marathon 2025 player application form and fill in the following forms

  1. Medical Examination Form 2025
  2. GDPR Consent Form 2025 
  3. Self-Declaration 

Applications close on Friday 30 May 2025.

For more updates, follow us on Facebook or contact us through volleyball@dartalprovidenza.org

Let’s make this 60th anniversary edition unforgettable—on and off the court!

Id-Dar tal-Providenza hails the memory of Pope Francis

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On Monday, 21st April 2025 at 7:35am, Pope Francis returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poor.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza hails his memory and at the same time says it will always cherish the Pope’s meeting with a group of residents at the Vatican on September 13th 2015, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Home’s founding.

During his pontificate he never stopped asking us faithful to pray for him. Today we tell him: Holy Father remember us now that you are with the Father that you loved so much and pray for us.

St. Benedict’s College raises €5,200 for Id-Dar tal-Providenza in celebration of 2 weeks of Sustainable mobility and Wellbeing

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Over the past 2 weeks, students from all schools within St. Benedict’s College took part in a variety of fun and meaningful activities promoting sustainable mobility, physical activity, and overall wellbeing – all centred around the use of the bike and managed to raise €5,200 for Id-Dar tal-Providenza with the help of everyone’s generosity and participation.

Ms Roberta Argento, College Principal, said that these events brought together students, educators and the wider community in a shared effort to support a great cause. She said this merited a huge well done to all students, staff and families for making this initiative such a success.

On behalf of the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home, thanked the Principal of St. Benedict’s College, teachers, student and families for their generous donation and solidarity.

Schools within St Benedict College are the Birżebbuġa Primary, Għaxaq Primary, Gudja Primary, Kirkop Primary, Safi Primary, The Leli Camilleri Żurrieq Primary, Mqabba Primary, Qrendi Primary, the Ħal Kirkop Secondary and Middle School and the Helen Keller Resource Centre.

Old Motors Club Malta raises €6,700 in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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€6,700 were raised in the annual fundrasing event in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza held by the Old Motors Club Malta on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at the Home’s Siġġiewi parking lot. The event saw a record number of classic cars taking part, the biggest crowd ever attending and, most importantly, the considerable amount ever raised so far.

The sum was presented to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, by club chairman Judge Michael Mallia and Aldo Pace, the event coordinator on behalf of the club members.

Judge Mallia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in the organisation of the event as well as those who attended making this another huge event for which the Old Motors Club is renowned for.

Fr Martin emphasised on the critical role such activities and the funds raised play in advancing the Home’s mission to provide the highest quality of life possible to its residents. He thanked the Old Motors Club Malta for their annual initiative to raise the much needed funds in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

A show and auction of classic and vintage cars including a classic MG Midget in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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On Wednesday March 19th, the feast St Joseph and a public holiday, enthusiasts of vintage cars and members of the Old Motors Club Malta will be gathering at the parking lot of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi for a fundraising event in aid of the Home.

The club said that it aims to make this year’s event a record one, not only for the number of classic cars taking part or visitors attending but in the amount raised in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the residential home that provides care and support for persons with disability.

All the funds raised will be presented to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home, to help out in the running of the Home.

Apart from an impressive show of vintage and classic cars those that make it to Siġġiewi will be entertained with a vintage bus ride, make special purchases from the car boot sale and bid in an auction of classic cars amongst which will be a classic MG Midget.

Photo: Old Motors Club Malta

 

Friends of Providence House of NSW in Australia bid farewell to Mr Jim Borg, its founder and coordinator

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The Friends of Providence House NSW (FOPH), the official representatives in Australia of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Malta, bid farewell to Mr Jim Borg, its founder and coordinator during Il-Festa ta’ Ġenerożità held this weekend at the La Vallette Centre in Blacktown NSW. The event began with the Maltese and Australian anthems sung by Ms Katelyn Vella, an Australian girl of Maltese descent. Those present in a packed hall were welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies of the evening and Treasurer of the Association, Ms Miriam Friggieri. They were invited to be generous in their donations to Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza.

Mr Borg welcomed the Consul General of Malta in NSW, Ms Anneliese Sammut and thanked the main sponsors of the evening: the La Valette Social Centre, Breakaway Travel of Blacktown, Messrs Sistu and Maryanne Zammit and all the other sponsors. He also thanked the committee, Secretary Rita O’Dwyer and Treasurer Miriam Friggieri, as well as former secretary and co-founder, Marisa Previtera for their work. Mr Borg then announced with sadness that unfortunately, this event would be his last, after 60 years of work in the Maltese Community and coordinator of FOPH for the last 14 years. He thanked everyone who attended, the generous sponsors as well as the performers who year after year gave their voluntary participation in this Feast of Generosity. He appealed for another person to take his place as co-ordinator of this association, otherwise the Friends of Providence House NSW will have to cease operations.

The Consul General of Malta in NSW, thanked Jim Borg for the important work he has done over the past 60 years and stressed the importance of providing financial assistance to Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Malta. Ms Sammut also mentioned that Jim Borg will be awarded the honour of Gieħ is-Siġġiewi on the 8th of March.

In a video message, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Siġġiewi Home, thanked the committee especially Mr Jim Borg for the work done in Maltese-Australia community. He spoke on the significance and impact of the donations that are given so that Id-Dar tal-Providenza that hosts 115 residents can continue to provide the necessary assistance to those with disabilities in Malta.

Mr Borg also presented certificates of appreciation to various sponsors and trophies to Breakaway Travel Blacktown for their generosity over the years, as well as to performers who for the past 9 years gave their time for this annual fundraising event for Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The singers of the evening were Joe Apap and his three nephews, Charlie Muscat, James Cassar and Katelyn Vella joined by Natasha Tatarinoff who delighted and entertained those present with songs in Maltese and English. Mr. Ivan Cauchi took care of the sound and lighting for the evening.

Donations are sent in a cheque which is presented during the Volleyball Marathon which takes place every year in July at the Dar tal-Providenza parking lot in Siġġiewi.

€7,000 donation from Attard Bros. Group

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Mr Michael Attard CEO of Attard Bros Group, presented a donation of €7,000 to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id-Dar tal-Providenza, during a visit to the Home in Siġġiewi.  This donation is part of the donations Mr Attard collected during a Run for Charity he organised together with his friends to support local charities.   This fundraising event was a success thanks to a good number of companies, employees, family, and friends who contributed to this very worthy cause.

Fr Martin thanked Mr Attard for this generous gesture which will go towards a refurbishment project of one of the flats at Villa Papa Giovanni in Siġġiewi, which will surely improve the quality of life for the residents

The President of Malta pays her first official visit to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The President of Malta, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, paid her first official visit to Id-Dar tal-Providenza and in a message she left in the Home’s guest book she said: “May the blessed welcoming and comfort that spreads through this work of love always bring out all that is good in every human person.” She exprerssed her joy in paying her first official visit to the Siġġiewi Home, that she described as a masterpeice coming from the hands of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, a lasting monument of love that continued to flourish with the love and generosity of the Maltese people.

In an address of welcome, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id-Dar tal-Providenza, thanked the President of Malta for accepting the invitation to visit the Home. He talked about the services offered by the Home and thanked her for her support.

Fr Martin continued by saying that id-Dar tal-Providenza remains committed in offering residential services to persons with disability whilst also being a source of inspiration to the Maltese society of the values that distinguish us as a nation, the values of solidarity and respect to each and every other person.

The President met with various residents of the Home during a music session, at the therapeutic pool, the St. Isidore agriculture centre, the multisensorial rooms amongst others. She also visited the chapel and the museum dedicated to Mgr. Mikiel Azzopardi, the founder of id-Dar tal-Providenza.  In the Gym, she also met up with Prof. Joseph Grima, President  of the Siġġiewi Rowing Club, who explained that under an agreement with id-Dar tal-Providenza the gym is also being used by the Siġġiewi Rowing Club whereby various persons including persons with disability train there in the evenings.

During her visit, the President also found time to chat with various employees of the Home and she praised their commitment and dedication.

This year, id-Dar tal-Providenza is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding.  During all these years the Home offered residential services to around 275 persons with disability. Today the Home hosts 115 persons in the various homes it operates apart from the main complex in the village of Siġġiewi as well as in Qawra, Birkirkara and Żurrieq.

Photo: Archdiocese of Malta – Ian Noel Pace