Sr Carmen Borg is a humble and energetic Augustinian nun whose laugh is irresistibly contagious, as aptly described by her fellow Sisters and her dear Philippine friends, in whose culture she has been embedded as a missionary for the last 15 years. “Mamma” is what she is called by children with heart-breaking stories, some of whom have been saved from abortion, thanks to her and her fellow Sisters, with the blessing of the Provincial Superior at that time, Sr Miriam Grech, who took the initiative to accept these babies in the convent. The Maltese witnessed the blending of misery and hope through the courage and generosity of Sr Carmen and all the Sisters there when Joseph Chetcuti went with his équipe to the Philippines five years ago to prepare the production of two of the episodes in the series Nies Ta’ Veru, broadcasts that touched many noble hearts in Malta and Gozo.

Yet, the Spirit of God is full of surprises. During the last Provincial Chapter held in July by the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary in Malta, Sr Carmen was elected Provincial Superior, a role that entails a drastic change from the Philippines to Malta. “I am ready to obey,” said Sr Carmen as soon as she was elected, “but it’s going to be very hard. God will help me. It’s His Will.” And three days after the election, Sr Carmen shared with some of the Sisters: “All through the night, I hear the children calling ‘Mamma, Mamma!’ I have to be uprooted, not simply transferred. I’m ready for this, painful as it may be, for the love of God. Please pray for me.”

After returning to the Philippines to effect closure of her responsibilities there, Sr Carmen is now back in Malta to start her new mission here. Heartfelt congratulations go to her and to the newly appointed Council who are there to support her in her responsibility: Sr Margaret Vassallo (Vicar Provincial), Sr Grace Debattista, Sr Vania Bonello (also Provincial Secretary), Sr Aloysia Mifsud and the Bursar of the Province Sr Atanasia Buhagiar (ex-Superior General). Warm thanks for the excellent service rendered by the previous Administration, namely the ex-Provincial Superior Sr Miriam Grech, Sr Margaret Vassallo, Sr Rachel Frendo, Sr Gilberta Micallef, Sr Connie Mamo, Sr Vania Bonello and Sr Mariella Ebejer (ex-Bursar).

Welcome Sr Carmen. You are now among the people that supported you so much with their solidarity and generosity to help the poor in the Philippines. We need your missionary zeal to enrich us. Welcome to your new mission.

Sr Vania Bonello