As Christmas time draws near, many of us think about those less fortunate than ourselves and Malta is not exempt from benevolent and charitable institutions. The country has a number of children's homes run by the Church and St Joseph's Home, run by the Dominican Sisters, is just one of them. The Sisters welcomed us to the home to tell us about its day-to-day running and to share their plans for Christmas Day.

With its imposing gates and grand approach, the home is situated on the main street entering Zabbar, where it has been since 1937. No doubt it has witnessed many comings and goings in those more than 80 years and Sister Phyllis Bonnici, who has been at the home for over 13 years, tells us: "Back in those days, the home was very much for orphans, and originally just girls. These days we take both boys and girls, from the age of six and above."

The sisters are warm and welcoming, although Sister Phyllis becomes very shy when we tell her we are from the newspaper: "But my English!" she exclaims. We reassure her that she can speak in both Maltese and English and she immediately relaxes. Following the warm welcome, we are kindly shown around the immense building, with its long corridors, courtyards and, of course. religious imagery.

At first glance, it doesn't look like a place for children, let alone a home, but once you get really inside, a colourful children's play area brings the place to life.

"The home has 14 beds, and the children stay with us for varying lengths of time, until a suitable long-term placement can be found," I am told. I ask if the home still accommodates just orphans. "No," replies Sister Phyllis, "times have changed immensely and now we face many social situations: children with complex social needs and challenging behaviour. I begin to wonder in a tradition so old how the sisters manage to keep up with the demands of the outside world, especially when it comes to the expensive gifts many children want at Christmas. "The children do get presents, and we make an effort to ensure that they all get something equal, but it isn't easy! We try to teach them to be humble, to accept themselves and not yearn for materialistic objects but, of course, that is always a challenge - even for adults, let alone our children,"  adds Sister Firdaus Bashir.

Despite their renowned privacy, the Sisters speak candidly: "In the home, Christmas Day starts early with breakfast and a 7 am Mass in the chapel, after which the children exchange presents and can watch a Christmas film. After lunch, we may go out to a park, or somewhere else they choose. The day is not particularly inflexible and we do our best to get out for some fresh air because we don't like to sit around all day. In the last few years, we have introduced carol singing which has proved popular with the children and this year we have introduced a special menu - with some of the children's favourite dishes, mostly the homemade lasagne!" says Sister Firdaus.

"We try to make the children feel as settled as possible, but we understand that many of them may be experiencing a particularly personal pain, especially at Christmas time. So for this reason we encourage them to behave like brothers and sisters and interact with each other." Apart from their dedicated work inside the home, the Sisters also spend time in the local community, visiting families in need.

I notice that the Sisters are a small group, supported by many care workers and general staff. Sister Phyllis says: " Sadly, we are declining in numbers; it is very difficult for us to find younger Sisters to follow this path and the majority of us in this home are over 65." I begin to ask myself if the home will be sustainable in another 80 years. "Malta will always need somewhere for these children, that is a fact. We have changed from being an orphanage originally, and we will do our best to keep up with society's needs," says Sister Phyllis.

As our tour comes to a close I remark on how beautifully the home is decorated, with poinsettias and tinsel framing the doors. "Christmas is a very busy time for us here; there are plenty of events for the children to attend and so many people come to visit," says Sister Phyllis but I notice a faltering tone in her voice and a mist in her eyes and I remark that it must be sad at times. "Well, I'll tell you what I find terribly sad: these children receive a lot of attention over the festive season. People want to come and help, see them or give them, presents, but then a couple of weeks later the buzz has gone, nobody comes to visit and the place falls silent.

"I am, of course, very grateful but I wish people would show their love and support for the children all year round, not just at Christmas. It is very hard for us to explain this sudden loss of interest to the children, once the festivities have passed". Sister Phyllis obviously speaks from years of experience and, given the fact that the Sisters show so much devotion to the children in their care, I ask her if it is hard for them when the children leave. "We are happy for the children when they find a stable solution: it is what we pray for and, oh, don't you worry - they always come back to see us!" 

Photos by Alenka Falzon