Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition Leader Alfred Sant and Archbishop Paul Cremona OP, yesterday launched the fifth 60-hour Ohloq Tbissima marathon that is aimed at raising money for the Missionary Society of St Paul.
Dr Gonzi spoke about the importance of Maltese solidarity and how it always rises to the occasion when needed.
“The Maltese like to boast that we have big hearts and whenever we are faced with someone who is in difficulty, it brings out the best in us,” he said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that it was through activities like these that the Maltese people can truly put their words on solidarity into action.
“This is a true test for the Maltese people. The Maltese missionaries are making a difference to the lives of those living in Peru. However, I want to see the same spirit of solidarity towards irregular migrants,” said Dr Gonzi.
“While you are helping out the people in Peru and the Philippines, you should do just the same for the irregular migrants who left their country and are now in Malta with nothing at all – this is the true test of Maltese generosity,” he said.
In his comments, Dr Sant pointed out that the marathon requires commitment, sacrifice and a great sense of solidarity so that the work is carried across the globe.
He spoke about the importance of giving Peruvian people not only food but, more importantly, providing them with the tools they require to educate them and improve their situation.
Archbishop Cremona said that this marathon offered two very important values.
“The first value is that we are capable of working together and, more importantly, of opening up to others,” he said.
The second value, he said, was that of giving oneself, and this gave a very clear message that one could feel happy and fulfilled not only when one received but also when one gave.
The Regional Superior of the Missionary Society of St Paul and Director of Centru Animazzjoni Missjunarja
and CAM Productions International (CPi) Father Louis Mallia, said the marathon could be referred to as a Maltese feast, especially since the Missionary Society of St Paul originated in Malta.
Ohloq Tbissima is being transmitted live on Education 22 and also streamed live throughout on www.di-ve.com with some time bands on TVM, NET TV and One TV.
Father Louis Mallia has recently travelled to Peru to get footage of the various projects carried out in the areas where even the bare necessities are lacking. The marathon is being held in the spacious yard of St Joseph’s Home in Santa Venera, to raise money for the fathers of the Missionary Society of St Paul carrying out missionary work in Peru, Pakistan and The Philippines, as well as some projects for St Joseph’s Home.
The organisers, Cam Productions International (CPi), is a non-profit media production house, also within the Missionary Society of St Paul, giving people an opportunity to participate during the various events that will take place on stage throughout the marathon.
Last year’s marathon collected about Lm65,000/ EUR151,409.27, which was used for the following projects:
Peru: Aldea Sagrada Familia, an orphanage where about 60 children aged from birth to adolescence are taken cared for.
•Clinics in Primero di Junio providing medical and dental care.
• Bro. Joseph Caruana College, which provides secondary education and is named after the first MSSP Missionary to work in Ethiopia.
• The construction of small houses for families that have no shelter.
• Various food programmes.
Pakistan: Support for three schools providing education to approximately 1,000
students.
The Philippines: Food programmes at three schools.
Malta: Funds used for the work of the Missionary Society of St Paul with children residing at St Joseph’s Home, as well as CPi’s work in the field of evangelisation by producing socio-religious programmes for television.
Anyone wishing to contribute may do so on the following telephone numbers until 31 July:
500 49 853 Lm3/EUR6.99
500 49 855 Lm5/EUR11.65
500 49 850 Lm5/EUR11.65
506 18 070 SMS Lm2/EUR4.66