The Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP) is holding its 15th edition of its annual marathon in order to raise money for several projects it has in Malta and in Peru, Pakistan and the Philippines.

As at 1pm, Saturday, €35,645 were collected.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, Fr Louis Mallia, expressed that helping others in need is the greatest satisfaction in life. The society began its first mission in Peru 50 years ago and since then has made it, it's duty to help those most in need, whether it be proving them with food and shelter or an education.

MSSP makes it its mission every summer to improve the lives of at least 100 families. "The satisfaction of returning a year later and seeing people's lives much better off is an incredible feeling," said Father Mallia.

Fr Mallia explained the missions and work that the missionaries achieved both in Malta and abroad, pointing out that a portion of the money raised in Malta helps the boys living in St Joseph's orphanage. "In Malta, we have mainly St Joseph home, which currently accommodates 15 boys. We have 3 flats, which we have converted into modern apartments. The marathons partly sponsor these sorts of projects. It's quite a bit of expense so that every boy can live in a proper house and have the same luxuries like any another child, but it is what they deserve."

He then went on to explain the work carried out in poorly developed countries. "Our olders mission is in Peru. We have been working there for the past 50 years. We have many different projects but our aim to cater for the poorest of the poor. We are working in three cities; Lima, the biggest city in the country, Arequipa, where there is a seminary for those who want to become missionaries, and Aplao, where we have our biggest mission. We cater for disabled people, the homeless in order to give them a life, such as through work, and somewhere to live. We built many parishes from absolutely nothing and we have many schools and day care centres so parents can go to work. We also have projects for the elderly. In these countries, there are people who have virtually nothing so we cater for their daily needs, we provide homes and education. One of the schools we have cater for, are for very poor children named after father Joseph who was the first missionary who went to Ethiopia so we named it after him because it's some of the worst areas in Peru."

The MSSP also works in Pakistan, where it focuses mostly on helping women receive an education. "We have a huge project in Pakistan, and we have a large parish in a city there. It's different there because it's a Muslim country so we focus mostly on helping women. Women there have a lack of education and opportunities so we have a school which is for both boys and girls. Here we provide an education and give opportunities to children who normally wouldn't have any."

Projects in Philippines focus the most on young people and education. There MSSP has created an orchestra of 100 young people. Although they also aid in empowering young people to carry on with education to a university level. "In the Philippines we have two major projects in two cities and overall we cater the most for young people. We go into universities and help them with their education. We do a lot of work in another city which was bombarded by the Americans in WWII and our main task is to help everyone but mainly young people there.  We sponsor them so they are able to study tertiary education because it's were they can get the most opportunities."

"Five years ago, they organised an orchestra, which now has a hundred young people. They sound beautiful. People from orchestras in Malta give tuition to these young people through a Skype call. Furthermore, every year we bring around eight or more students to Malta to receive tuition. They stay here in St Joseph home and it's an amazing opportunity for them to grow in their love for music and new possibilities. Some are already studying music at their university back home, so this is a fantastic opportunity."

Fr Mallia, continued to describe and explain the conditions that people in Peru live in. "I have just returned from Peru. When we were there last year we met two young boys who were disabled and lived in horrible conditions. We provided them with all the necessities beds, clothes, food etc, and year after you see the difference because now they're living like human beings. It makes you emotional to think these people were living like animals and now they have the chance to live like people with dignity."

He explains that the organization carries out ist work in line with Christian values, empowering people and giving them a better chance at life.

"There was this old man who had absolutely nothing in the world. We provided him with a home, a bed, a kitchen, clothes, everything. We also helped a very poor family - we gave them a home and bought books for the children and even a little computer."

Fr Mallia told The Malta Independent that the 60-hour marathon is a huge event which MSSP tries to make as entertaining as possible for those who either visit the home or watch on TV. "We work very hard to produce something wonderful and educational for this 60-hour event."

He added that "Anyone who would like to take part in missionary trip to Peru, Pakistan or Philippines, need only come and join. It's truly rewarding and there's nothing better than helping others."

€25,198  was collected by midnight Friday

Donations

€10 - 5160 2004
€15 - 5170 2007
€25 - 5180 2009

SMS €4.66 - 50618099
Pledge line - 21445544