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