The first time I met Debbie was when, in my second year at the seminary, I went to Dar tal-Providenza to volunteer for a day and I met her at the administration office where she was working at the time. The second time I saw her was during the Mass at The Granaries in Floriana during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Malta. That day Debbie, together with her parents, went up with the ciborium filled with hosts during the offertory. Some years ago, I managed to get a copy of the photos of this unique occasion from the Vatican photo archives and I made a copy that Debbie appreciated so much. Who could have told me then that, years later, I would get to know her from so much closer!

Debbie, who has been a resident of Id-Dar tal-Providenza since a young age, inspired everyone with her huge determination. The determination to live, to study, to work, to enjoy life, to fight for her rights and those of others, the determination to become a mother. She found many obstacles when it came to determining her own life, but Debbie was a fighter. She never gave up fighting against the negative attitudes of society, unfortunately still prevalent today, towards people with disabilities. This verse from the Book of Proverbs cannot describe her better: “Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value.”(Prov. 31,10).

Debbie was a woman who appreciated the commitment of those in her life who were supportive of her so that she could move on. I mention Dun Mikiel Azzopardi, the founder of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, of  whom she always said that he used to believe in her. In one of her speeches she said: “Dun Mikiel used to believe that we persons with disability deserve all that every human person deserves; respect and dignity, equal opportunities to have a better quality of life, a voice to be heard and a contribution that persons with disability can give to the good of the society we live in.” Today, Debbie thanks all those in her life who respected her like that, all those who meant a lot to her. The list is rather long. 

Now that Debbie is no longer with us,  those with disability have lost a voice. I urge people with disability to follow her example and to not be afraid of making their voice heard, not afraid of fighting against discrimination – many times very subtle – that they meet every day.  Changes in the negative attitude of people towards those with disability will only happen if we do not remain silent, if we create more awareness about the rights of persons with disability and anything that creates obstacles for them to participate fully in society like everyone else.

 Thank you, Lord, for Debbie, for all that you taught us through her, and receive her now in your loving arms in heaven.

Debbie, may you rest in peace.

 

Fr Martin Micallef

Director, Dar tal-Providenza