‘Marċellino Ħobż u Nbid’

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This year’s Christmas production at Id-Dar tal-Providenza is ‘MARĊELLINO ĦOBŻ U NBID’. A drama in 3 acts based on the film ‘Marcellino Pane e Vino’ and translated into Maltese, with stage production and direction by David Muscat.

‘MARĊELLINO ĦOBŻ U NBID’, with the participation of the Home’s residents, employees and volunteers, will be taking place on Wednesday 18th December and Thursday 19th December at 7.00pm at the St. Paul Hall. Relatives and friends of the residents as well as the general public are invited to watch the drama which takes about 90 minutes. Entrance is free but donations will be appreciated.

Those interested are kindly asked to register in advance by calling on 9945 7784 or from the Home’s reception on 2146 2844 jew 2146 4915.

In a comment he made, the production director David Muscat said that the aim behind these theatrical productions is that residents can express their abilities through drama. This year, together with the residents, will be taking part the actor Sandro Vella and Lydon Agius, the young boy who will be taking on the part of Marċellino and who was the winner of the first edition of Malta’s Got Talent.

Dun Anġ Seychell honoured with the Mons. Mikiel Azzopardi Award for 2024

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At the parish church of Żejtun on Friday evening, Dun Anġ Seychell was posthumously given this year’s Mons. Mikiel Azzopardi Award for his huge contribution to the sector for persons with disability. This was announced by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id‑Dar tal‑Providenza, as part of the annual concert by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta. Dun Anġ, a priest who hailed from Żejtun, dedicated his life towards others especially persons with disability whom he respected. So much so that he offered his own house for them to live in. With the founding of Fondazzjoni Nazareth, Dun Anġ ensured that the residential services he started offering will still be on offer for years to come.

The Mons. Mikiel Azzopardi Award was presented by H.G. the Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna to Ms. Muriel Grech, Director of Capital Projects at the Fondazzjoni Nazareth after Etienne Schembri, presenter for the evening but also Administrative Director of the Fondazzjoni read the biography of Dun Anġ.

Earlier on in his speech, Fr Martin said that we are on the threshold of a new year, a year during which id-Dar tal-Providenza will be celebrating its sixtieth anniversary. We are also on the threshold of the Jubillee of Hope. In his proclamation of the 2025 Jubillee, Pope Francis proclaims social works as id-Dar tal-Providenza, as works of hope. He defines inclusive services given by these institutions or organisations as an “anthem for human dignity, a song for hope.”

Fr Martin added that whilst we look back at these last sixty years of work of id-Dar tal-Providenza we, as a society, as a Church, as individuals can truly say that the Home was, still and will hopefully remain an “anthem for human dignity, a song for hope.” During these sixty years, id-Dar tal-Providenza offered hope to around 270 persons with disability by offering them a residence, in a family-like environment, a safe enviroment and above all an environment that respects their dignity and rights.

Fr Martin ended by saying that the Home has offered hope and still thus not only to those needing a permanent residency but also to those persons with disability and their families that needed respite service, amongst other services. May the Jubilee of Hope contines to fill us with verve so that in the coming years we continue, as Pope Francis says, “to open up our doors with a welcoming generosity, so that no one will give up hope of a better life.”

The concert, which was under the direction of the band’s Musical Director and Maestro, Major Jonathan Borg, included vocal and instrumental works by well known foreign composers as well as Maltese composers Tano Monseigneur, Ray Magri and Sgt Gilbert Camilleri whose musical work ‘Refuġju’ was dedicated to Staff Sergeant Tony Lautier who died last September at the age of 60 years. There was quite an emotional monent when Ssgt Camilleri presented Mrs. Lautier with the sheet music of  ‘Refuġju’ together with a memento of her late husband.

Following the presentation of mementos to various participants at the concert, Archbishop Charles Scicluna recalled and praised the work of Dun Anġ Seychell in the disability sector and urged Maltese and Gozitans alike to give their unstinted financial support during the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità on new year’s day as they have always done in the past.

Photo: Ian Noel Pace, Archdiocese of Malta

Festa ta’ Ġenerożità in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza on January 1st 2025

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Once again, the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità in aid of id‑Dar tal‑Providenza is going to be organised under the big tent in its parking lot in Siġġiewi. This was announced by Fr Martin Micallef, Director and Mrs. Nadine Camilleri Cassano, Administrator of the Home, during a press briefing on Wednesday 27th November 2024.

As has happened in recent editions, the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità will be broadcast on the main television stations from 10.00am to midnight. At 9.30am, TVM2 will broadcast a mass from the Home’s chapel celebrated by H.G. The Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna.

Next year, 2025 is going to be a special year for Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza because it happens to be the 60th anniversary of its founding. This was announced by Fr Martin Micallef, the Director of the Home, who said that during all these years the Home offered permanent residency to 270 persons with disability as well as many others who needed respite services. The Home always offered personalised services of quality to the residents, services that respected their rights and dignity. This was only possible with the continued support of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

Fr Martin said that the Home will be celebrating this event by launching a strategy for the coming years to deinstitutionalise its core operations in line with the principles envisaged in the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with disability by offering more residential services in the community and other support alternatives according to the person’s wishes.

Fr Martin spoke about the work being done at the Home including the completion of the refurbishing project of four flats in Villa Papa Giovanni where work has been completed in one of them and the second will be finished early next year. The Home continued to invest in human resources including employment of professionals, ongoing training of its employees, purchasing of new equipment, maintenace work and other projects aimed at improving its services.

The Festa ta’ Ġenerożita of January 1st, is an annual appointment, whereby the Home can turn to the Maltese and Gozitans to help it financially because costs are always on the rise. In fact, the Home currently needs around 7 million euros per year for its operation.

Ms Nadine Camilleri Cassano, the Administrator of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza, spoke about the various fund raising activities taking place during the month of December leading to new year’s day and how the public can help. She explained that donations can be made with immediate effect up to January 1st in various methods shown hereunder. She said that these donations will be included in the final sum that is announced at the end of the new year’s day telethon.

€15         51702013

€25         51802014

€50         51902085

€100     51302022

SMS €7   50618922

Donations can simply be made by Paypal and other accounts that Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza has with the main banks: APS Bank, BOV, HSBC, Lombard Bank and BNF Bank.

Donations via BOV Mobile and myAPS Payment to Mobile (P2M) can be made on 7932 4834.

Moreover, individuals can send in their donation of more that €20 by cheque made to id‑Dar tal‑Providenza, Triq Lapsi, is‑Siġġiewi  SGW2822. Kindly note that according to a directive by the Central Bank of Malta cheques smaller than €20 will not be cashed by the Maltese banks.

Other donations can be made at the office id‑Dar tal‑Providenza has in St. Paul Street, Valletta (behind the market) open Tuesdays to Saturdays between 9.00am and noon, at the Paola Catholic Bookshop, as well as in the Rabat Malta square in the days leading to Christmas and January 1st 2025.

Another speaker was Mrs Amanda Ciappara who said that the 30‑hour music marathon organised by Radio RTK is taking place this weekend between this Saturday 30th Novembar and Sunday 1st December 2024.

Grand Christmas Bazaar in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Grand Christmas bazaar in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi  from Friday eighth to Sunday tenth November  between nine am and four in the afternoon. You can find new and second-hand items like books, clothing, plants, kitchen goods and utensils, decorations, antiques and other useful objects.

See you then. V.O/1066

€6,478 raised for Id-Dar Tal-Providenza in Public Works Department Bike Ride

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On Sunday, October 27, 2024, €6,478 were raised for Id-Dar Tal-Providenza in Bike Ride organised by the Public Works Department. Over 150 cyclists took part in the event which started at Ta’ Qali then on to the historic arches of Mdina, leading to Gomorino Bridge, before circling back to the starting point.

The Bike Ride had the support of Polti-Kometa, in collaboration with Visit Malta, that were instrumental in promoting the event and generously donated water bottles for all cyclists. Additional sponsors included Farsonsdirect, Maypole and Gaetano Mifsud Limited.

Transport Malta, The Malta Police Force and the Malta Red Cross provided health and safety support.

HRH Prince Edward meets with residents of Dar tal-Providenza and the Malta Paralympic community

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His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi Wednesday afternoon, where he met with Maltese para athletes. During this significant visit, the Duke also met with residents of the home, staff, volunteers, schoolchildren and various sporting communities.

Upon his arrival, His Royal Highness was warmly welcomed by Fr Martin Micallef, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia and Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, along with Prof. Joseph N. Grima, President of the Malta Paralympic Committee and the Siġġiewi Rowing Club. Among the dignitaries present were Mgr Joseph Galea-Curmi, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta; Hon. Julia Farrugia, Minister of Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector; Hon. Graziella Galea, Shadow Minister of Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector; and Architect Julian Borg, Mayor of Siġġiewi.

During his visit, the Duke met with players from Malta Wheelchair Basketball and Frame Football, followed by a wheelchair dance performance led by Ms Pippa Roberts in Dar tal-Providenza’s main hall. He also met with rowers, para rowers and administrators from Siġġiewi Rowing Club who use the gym at Dar tal-Providenza for their regular land training. The Duke received an overview of the club’s inclusive approach, which unites athletes with physical, visual and intellectual impairments allowing them to train alongside some of Malta’s top rowers.

At the end of his visit, the Duke presided over a certificate ceremony for the winners of the “Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Schools Competition,” which involved local schoolchildren and their families. The competition brought together eight schools, engaging over 50 enthusiastic participants, in a celebration of inclusivity and sportsmanship. It is one of several initiatives by the Malta Paralympic Committee aimed at raising awareness and creating a legacy for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. By promoting engagement and understanding of adaptive sports, the competition aimed to inspire educators to promote more inclusive sports and encourage the next generation to make a lasting impact in schools.

The Malta Paralympic Committee, a full member of the International Paralympic Committee, is the sole recognised national governing body responsible for the development and promotion of Paralympic Sport and para sport in Malta and Gozo.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza is a Church-run NGO which offers residential services for individuals with disabilities in Malta. It empowers residents in a family-like environment designed to enhance and maximises their abilities. Until 1962, the premises visited today by the Duke of Edinburgh served as a Royal Navy Rest Camp.

Photos: Archdiocese of Malta – Claire Camilleri

Id-Dar tal-Providenza marks the 59th anniversary of its founding

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On Thursday,12th September 2024, Id-Dar tal-Providenza celebrates its 59th anniversary. 59 years ago, Dun Mikiel Azzopardi, with Lm100 in hand donated by a lady who had saved them for her vacation, embarked on id-Dar tal-Providenza, the first home in Malta that started offering residential services to persons with disability. Ever since, id-Dar tal-Providenza has been a living miracle of Divine Providence.

Today, 59 years later, Id-Dar tal-Providenza with the support of the Maltese and Gozitans alike, with the help of many volunteers together with financial support, aside from the Siġġiewi complex runs four other community homes in Siġġiewi itself, Birkirkara, Qawra and Żurrieq. These homes host around 115 persons with disability endowed with respect, their rights and their dignity.

Looking back towards the early years of the 60’s we cannot forget the worrying and troubling thoughts Dun Mikiel had surrounding the  state of persons with disability who in his own words were hidden and sidelined. He had found out that various persons with disablity were living in a deplorable and  inhuman state, hidden in cellars, where at times even their siblings were not even aware of them.

This was when the idea crept up that Dun Mikiel finds a place where persons with disability could live in a decent environment – an environment that they deserve and that fully respects their dignity. Many were those who told him that such a project would need a lot of funds. But Dun Mikiel sincerely believed that Divine Providence had no limits, as without limits are the values of justice and solidarity,

The 12th of September is a day during which we thank God who gave us Dun Mikiel who in turn gave birth and nursed to fruitition id-Dar tal-Providenza, which as the late Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca used to say, is the home of all of us.

 

 

CF Homes enhances facilities at Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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CF Homes, one of Malta’s leading real estate companies, has recently undertaken the refurbishment and other maintenance works of a section within Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi, demonstrating their commitment to community welfare. Works on a number of rooms at Id-Dar tal-Providenza started at the beginning of this summer and consisted of stripping the rooms to their shell state before making them fully weatherproof and refurbishing them to a high standard.

Mr Clifton Cassar, Director at CF Homes, expressed the company’s pride in supporting such a meaningful project, stating, “We are honoured to contribute to this remarkable initiative. Malta owes a great debt to Fr. Martin and his team at Dar tal-Providenza for the invaluable work they do behind the scenes every day.” He also encouraged other companies to follow suit in supporting similar causes.

Fr. Martin Micallef, the director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza extended his gratitude to CF Homes for their generous donation.

Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona in Marian pilgrimage for the sick in Lourdes

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Archbisop Emeritus, Mgr Paul Cremona O.P. took part in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes organized by the Assoċjazzjoni Volontarji Lourdes. This year this pilgrimage, that took place between Thursday 29th August and Sunday September 2024, was attended by 175 pilgrims from Malta and Gozo.

He concelebrated in a mass that took place at the Grotto of Massabielle. It was led by  Fr Martin Micallef, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconi and Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza and assisted by Fr Dijonisju Mintoff OFM, Director of the Laboratory for Peace, Fr Josè Debono OCD, Provincial of the Teresians and Fr Mario Sant OFM Conv. One of the friars that works with the sick in London.

On Sunday 1st September, Archbishop Cremona also concelebrated during the international mass that is celebrated in the Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes  that was led by Cardinal Enrico Feroci. He also took part in the  procession with the Blessed Sacrament that took place Friday 31st August and also in one of the Aux Flambeaux processions that take place every evening in the main square in front of the Lourdes Sanctuary.

 

Dun Anġ Seychell, founder of Fondazzjoni Nazareth passes away

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Id-Dar tal-Providenza bids farewell to the dearest memory of Dun Anġ Seychell, founder of Fondazzjoni Nazareth. In 1955, Dun Anġ, inspired by Jean Vanier, the founder of Arche International, chose to offer his own home in Żejtun to host persons with intellectual disability.

On September 8th, 1995 he founded Fondazzjoni Nazareth to administer this home. Today, the Foundation has four residential homes in Żejtun.

All Malta today bids farewell to this priest who like Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, dedicated his life towards others especially towards persons with disability whom he equally respected and admired.

Grant him, O Lord, eternal rest.