Id-Dar tal-Providenza at “Festa Għeneb 2017” in Siġġiewi

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Residents and workers at the St Isidore Ariculture Centre at Id-Dar tal-Providenza took part in “Festa Għeneb” on Sunday, 27th August in the main square of Siġġiewi. They exhibited various agricultural products that are produced by the residents to be sold to the general public present. Amongst the products were various types of jams, pickled onions, carob and lemon syrups, ġardiniera, capers and various herbs and other products.

“Festa Għeneb” was organised by the Siġġiewi Local Council.

“An experience I will never forget” – Sarah Anne Casha

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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/

The Klabb Għannejja Maltin of Melbourne, Australia make donation to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Representatives of the Klabb Għannejja Maltin of Melbourne, Australia paid a visit and made a donation to Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi. The representatives of the Club, Mary and Joe Farrugia, Joe Busuttil, Debbie and Charles Baldacchino, presented the donation to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home. Fr Martin had met members of the the club during his visit to Australia in 2013.

The Association was formed to provide an environment and a meeting place for the Maltese għannejja and kitarristi living in Melbourne to meet and express themselves in the traditional form of Maltese folkloristic music, thereby keeping it alive in their adopted country Australia.

Motorcycle pilgrimage in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza

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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.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza residents in Sicily holiday trip

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Four Dar tal-Providenza residents together with their support workers went on a short holiday trip to Sicily. Whilst they were there they visited Mt Etna, Taormina and Siracuse. Fr Trevor Fairclough, who accompanied the group, celebrated mass for the residents every day. They enjoyed touring the various Sicilian sites and also found time to buy small souvenirs for themselves and for others. It was indeed an interesting experience

€27,730 raised in Charity Dinner in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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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.

A sum of €658,039 was raised in the BOV Volleyball Marathon held at Dar tal-Providenza.

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A sum of €658,039 was raised in the BOV Volleyball Marathon held at Dar tal-Providenza. The marathon started on Friday and was inaugurated by H.E. Dolores Cristina Acting President of Malta and came to an end at midnight on Sunday.

Over 300 volunteers provided their support to the marathon, which saw 40 players giving it all to raise the necessary funds for id-Dar tal-Providenza.
The total sum collected includes €355,353 which were collected during Xarabank that was held on Friday 23 June.

Fr Martin Micallef, thanked the Maltese for their constant support to Id-Dar tal-Providenza and its cause. Fr. Martin said that the funds raised are indicative of how much the Maltese love id-Dar Tal-Providenza and reiterated the commitment of offering the highest level of professional services for the residents of the home.

Donation by the Maltese-American Community in the San Francisco Bay, California

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On behalf of the Maltese American Community in the San Francisco Bay area, the Maltese Cross Foundation of California presented its annual donation to Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The presentation was made to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Homes by Mrs Mary Borg Smith and her husband Robert of Millbrae California.

Special thanks goes to Mr Louis Vella, President of the Maltese Cross Foundation of California who is also Honorary Consul of Malta in San Francisco.

The BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon 2017 for Dar tal-Providenza officially launched – Volunteers rally for 53 hours of solidarity

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The 9th edition of the BOV Volleyball Marathon was officially launched during a press conference today at Id-Dar tal-Providenza. The Marathon will kick off on Friday 30th June 2017 at 18.30 in the car-park of the Home itself, and come to a close at 23.30 on Sunday 2nd July after 53 hours of continuous play.

The press conference was addressed by Ms Michelle Muscat, Chairperson of the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community and Father Martin Micallef, Director at Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Ms Elvia George, Chief Finance Officer at Bank of Valletta and Mr Emanuel Zammit Chairperson of the Marathon’s Organising Committee were also present.

On her arrival at the Home, Ms Muscat was given a warm welcome by the residents. She was met by Father Martin Micallef who gave her a short tour of the Home, during which she was also able to visit the aqua therapy pool which was inaugurated in November 2016. Since then, it is being used extensively on a daily basis, as an integral part of the therapy received by the residents.

“Id-Dar tal-Providenza has managed to etch for itself an indelible mark in the heart of each and every one of us. True to the vision of its Founder Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, it continues to provide a family environment for its residents, supporting them in maximising their abilities and participating as fully as possible in society, nowadays even more so through the homes in the community,” said Mrs Muscat. Speaking about the involvement of Marigold Foundation, she said that, “It gives us great satisfaction to support this Marathon that not only raises funds for an important cause, but also sees hundreds of volunteers rallying their support to ensure that it continues to deliver on its purpose, ensuring our society is as inclusive as possible for these residents.”

Thanking the Foundation and Bank of Valletta for their continuous support, Father Martin explained that, “It is indeed a privilege to be at the helm of a Home that continues to live on the Providence of society, just like its Founder envisaged more than 50 years ago.” Speaking about the challenges, Father Martin said that the daily running cost for the Home amounts to €12,000 “Id-Dar tal-Providenza is the home for 114 residents of different ages, ranging from 5 to 85. In addition, we offer respite services to families who take care of persons with disabilities. In addition to the carers who see to the day-to-day needs of our residents, the Home needs to provide occupational therapists and physiotherapists for the residents. The aqua therapy pool, for instance, was a major milestone, that is making an important difference in the lives of our residents. It is not easy to keep this Home running whilst upgrading our services. However it is a challenge worth taking, because it translates into a better quality of life for these individuals.”

Ms Elvia George said, “At Bank of Valletta, we are delighted to renew our support to this annual fundraising event through the Foundation. We are confident that the public in general will respond keenly, as it has always done.” She highlighted that the Home is synonymous with the loving and caring family environment as well as the individual attention it provides to the residents. “Thus, at Bank of Valletta, we are pleased to be able to contribute towards sustaining the efforts of this NGO.”

In his intervention, Mr Zammit gave an overview of the preparatory work involved in the build-up towards the volleyball marathon. “Over 200 volunteers will be working round the clock next weekend to ensure that this event is a success.” He invited the members of the public to visit the Home during the marathon weekend to give their support to the players who will be playing non-stop in the sweltering heat. The marathon will be broadcasted live over the main TV stations, however the public is encouraged to visit the Home where there will be live entertainment, food stalls as well as a children’s area over the weekend.

The BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon will kick off on Friday 30th June at 18.30. It will be inaugurated by the Acting President of Malta, Ms Dolores Cristina.

Contributions can be made by calling 51702012 for a €15 donation and 51802013 for a €25 donation. A donation of €6.99 can be made by sending a blank SMS to 50618944. BOV Mobile Pay subscribers may also make their donation to the following number 79324834.

Commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, the founder of “the oasis of Christian charity”

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Catholic Action members, residents and friends of Id-Dar tal-Providenza attended a Eucharistic Celebration at the Home’s chapel to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Mons Mikiel Azzopardi. Dun Mikiel, as he was popularly referred to, was born in Valletta on February 10th, 1910 and died on May 13th, 1987. This Catholic Action initiative started eight years ago and has since become an annual event.

In a short message from Prague, where Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, is taking part in a European meeting on the pastoral work with deaf persons, appealed for more prayers so that the Lord would continue to bless the work being done at the Home as well as for the beatification and canonisation process of Mgr Azzopardi so that we might finally have the miracle to confirm the holiness of this priest, a huge benefactor of the Maltese society. Fr Martin said that Malta and Gozo are forever grateful towards the Malta Catholic Action that created what Dun Mikiel used to love to refer to as the oasis of Christian charity.

The eucharistic celebration was led by Fr Reuben Gauci, Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Catholic Action Youth Movement ŻAK. In his homily, Fr Reuben referred to Dun Mikiel as the one who used to look at each and every person with great love when he was in the education sector, then in the Malta Catholic Action (MCA) and later at Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

At the end of the celebration, Josef Debono, the President of the MCA addressed the congregation and described Id-Dar tal-Providenza as the social soul of Malta.

Those present then gathered around Dun Mikiel’s grave for a moment of reflection and prayer.
Next year, Id-Dar tal-Providenza will be commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of when on the 11th January 1968, Villa Mons Gonzi welcomed its first residents as well as the fiftieth anniversary since the Sisters of Charity started giving their invaluable service to the residents of the Home.