Archive for category: News

Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Paul Cremona O.P. led a pilgrimage for the sick to Lourdes organised by the Assoċċjazzjoni Volontarji Lourdes (AVL).

The group was made up of one hundred and eighty people from Malta and was joined by another six from London, Brussels and Luxembourg. Making part of the group were four residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza: Carmelina Formosa, Antonia Deguara, Pierre Borg and Frankie Cortis. They were accompanied by support workers from the Home.

Each year, the Association assists sick persons to travel from Malta to visit the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes at the Grotto, where she appeared for the first time to Bernadette Soubirous on the 11th February 1858.

On Monday 4 September Mgr Cremona led a concelebrated Mass in Maltese at the Grotto.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity with another three students, to do voluntary work with some of the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi. This was a five-day experience, during which we were residing at the Sisters of Charity convent in Gudja, whom we were actually representing. Our day would start by attending mass at the Gudja parish itself followed by breakfast together at the convent. After breakfast, we used to gather at the small convent chapel for a few minutes of reflection in front of the Eucharist.

Till noontime, the day was for us to use; there was a day when we went swimming and other days during which we listened to interesting talks on various topices. The first discussion we had at the Gudja convent, chaired by Mr Tonio Macelli, focused on emotional freedom. I was struck by the various points of how one can control his/her emotions. In another talk we had at the Foundation of St Joan Antide in Tarxien, we discussed domestic violence; be it physical, mental or emotional. Another interesting discussion was at Caritas during which we focused on the use of technology in our daily lives and how this is suffocating communication between us. The main reflection was specifically on how much precious time is lost that can be utilised more effectively.
After lunch and a short break, every afternoon we used to go to Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Our work was to accompany the residents during their daily outing. We visited the Viewing Gallery at the Airport, Il-Gallarija in Fgura, Tignè Point in Sliema and we also went with them to Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.

This was an experience I will never forget because it filled me with a sense of responsibility, especially when I was assigned to a person with disability in a wheelchair. Personally, at first I was a bit scared because this was my first such experience, but now I feel happy that I learnt a lot and was of service to others. All in all, this was an experience from which I learnt to appreciate life more, the opportunities that come my way and that I am in good health. I hope that other students will, like me, enjoy the satisfaction of a similar experience.

If you wish to join this group, that is referred to as Young Friends of Jeanne Antide, visit the page: facebook.com/ymsjam/

On Tuesaday 15 August 2017, Mgarr and Dingli Parishes organised the ,motorcycles pilgrimage on the occassion of Our Lady of the Assumption feast. Both parishes celebrate their titular feast the first Sunday after the 15th August.

This event organised for the second consecutive year brought together motorcyclists form both localities in a pilgrimage accompanied by two images of their respective titular statues.

The pilgrimage left from Id-Dar tal-Providenza where the motorcyclists gave a donation for the home.

The pilgrimage passed through Dingli with a short stop infront of the parish chaurch and than proceeded to Mgarr were particicipants gathered on the Church parvis where the parish priest Mgr Kalċidon Vassallo thanked all the participants and said a prayer to our Lady.

At id-Dar tal-Providenza Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza thanked both parish priest for this charitable initative and not the lesat all the participants.

Infinitely Xara, owned the Zammit Tabona family, organised a charity dinner in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza under the patronage of H.G. the Archbishop Mgr. Charles J. Scicluna during which €27,730 were raised. The event took place in the historical setting of Misraħ il-Kunsill in Mdina also referred to as Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux Square.

The guests were treated to a delicious four-course gastronomic dinner accompanied by wines and live acoustic music. The dinner, sponsored by Infinitely Xara and a number of companies, was attended by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.