Jesus of Nazareth Home in Zejtun is being well managed by the Missionary Sisters of Jesus of Nazareth.

This religious congregation founded in Malta has, for the past 100 years or so, been giving care and protection to the many children who find themselves being raised in difficult circumstances.

At present, the home holds 20 nuns, some of whom are well advanced in age and, who, in past years, have struggled to keep the home, buildings and all, in its present state of good repair.

In this same home, large and well ventilated as it is, there are also 12 unmarried women, some of them also well advanced in age, who were brought up in the home and have lived and worked and grown old with the nuns who had cared for them.

Since two years ago or so, the home has been providing day-care for children coming from families living under the relative-poverty line.

Recently, in agreement with the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry and Church authorities, the sisters have made available quite a large part of the building so that, in agreement with the experience and services of the Richmond Foundation, children with very serious challenging behaviour – which behaviour is mainly due to the negative experiences in their upbringing – will be receiving intensive therapy, because of the traumas they suffer, so that eventually they may return to their families etc.

The Archdiocese of Malta’s Central Fund is contributing to the day-to-day operational costs and limitedly finances projects of extraordinary maintenance.

I am taking advantage of this holy season of Lent, a time when helping our neighbour is called to our minds, to ask your readers for small financial contributions which are needed to carry out refurbishments of parts of the Home, for example, two bathrooms, which need to be more elderly-friendly and thus also make the carers’ work less tiring and safe, a sitting room, dining room and a small kitchen. The estimated expense for all this is expected to go up to Lm3,000.

Anyone wishing to help can send their contributions to the nuns at Jesus of Nazareth Home, St. Gregory Street, Zejtun, or directly to the Home’s bank account no. HSBC 056 061 237 001.

I will appreciate any you can offer and a receipt will be issued.

Mons. Victor Zammit McKeon

Director