The humility of Pope Francis is indisputable. It is particularly shown in his special concern for the poor, the marginalized and those who are living on the fringes of society.

In his first apostolic exhortation on the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis said that because “God’s heart has a special place for the poor, so much so that he himself ‘became poor’ (2 Cor 8:9)” (§ 197) “the Church[’s] ... option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one” (198). The Holy Father explained that “this option – as Benedict XVI has taught – ‘is implicit in our Christian faith in a God who became poor for us, so as to enrich us with his poverty’. This is why I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. Not only do they share in the sensus fidei, but in their difficulties they know the suffering Christ. We need to let ourselves be evangelized by them. The new evangelization is an invitation to acknowledge the saving power at work in their lives and to put them at the centre of the Church’s pilgrim way. We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them.”

Fully obedient to this clear evangelical invitation for conversion and internal renewal of consecrated life, the Maltese Capuchin Friaries responded to it by opening Dar Frangisk. The residence was officially opened by President Dr Gorg Abela on Friday 28 February, 2014, at Albert Town in Marsa. The Maltese Franciscan Capuchin Provincial Minister, Fr Martin Micallef OFM Cap, blessed the home in the presence of Capuchin Friars, among whom there was Fr Karm Aquilina OFM Cap, the spiritual director of the Fondazzjoni Suriet il-Bniedem, as well as benefactors who generously support this Foundation.

Fondazzjoni Suriet il-Bniedem, which was established by the Maltese Franciscan Capuchin Province in 1999, temporarily caters for people who are homeless. The sterling service offered by the Fondazzjoni’s dedicated staff aims to help people who need to pick up the pieces that are left from their broken lives. As the official website of Fondazzjoni Suriet il-Bniedem says, the personnel of the Foundation professionally extends care to aid the residents holistically on a psychological, emotional and spiritual level. In this way the motivating factors which led the person to become homeless are effectively addressed. When the residents attain the confidence and independence to face life problems on their own, the Foundation staff empower them to start looking for their new home to commence living afresh.

At present, the Foundation has three houses under its care. The first one is Dar Patri Leopoldo in Gzira. The residents of this home are men and boys. Another home, Dar Tereza Spinelli, is in Valletta. It hosts women and girls. The third home, Dar Victoria in Albert Town, Marsa, welcomes people who suffer from mental problems and, because of their health situation, cannot fend for themselves.

The Dar Victoria initiative thrived. Thanks to the committed work of Fondazzjoni Suriet il-Bniedem, the Capuchin Friars offer a dignified shelter to many men with mental difficulties to live securely. Moreover, Dar Victoria provides residents with the opportunity of interacting with people of the area. It needs to be highlighted that this service is of primary importance to the Health Authorities. The excellent reputation the Foundation has earned through its professional care of people in need made it possible for Suriet il-Bniedem to open another home to further its fruitful assistance. Thus, Dar Frangisk came into being. Dar Frangisk accommodates five people with mental problems and is well equipped to meet the challenge. The home welcomed its first residents at Christmas.

Dar Frangisk is a convincing example of listening, speaking and appreciating God’s presence in the poor! Can you help us?

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann