Following the Church’s request and Pope Francis’ call to welcome refugees into our communities, the Provincial Council of the Maltese Carmelite Province has welcomed a refugee family from Ethiopia in one of its priories.

There are various religious orders and Maltese congregations that have done the same. After talks with the Emigrants Commission, we opened our doors to welcome a family consisting of a husband, wife and their daughter. They entered our community in December 2015.

They are living in the former house of Formation in our priory in Balluta. Today this building is a youth centre for Carmelite vocations, and now also houses this family. For this to be possible, the building had to undergo some work, such as painting and general maintenance. An aluminum partition was installed to give privacy to the family while a small kitchen was created and the necessary appliances purchased.

The whole Carmelite Province is taking part in this project and every church and Carmelite entity has appealed for aid. Some priories and churches have already given their financial contribution, as well as clothes and foodstuffs. Some people also offered some furniture. In Saint Elias College food was collected for this family and many students contributed.

This Ethiopian family has made every effort not to be a burden on the province; in fact the husband has a job and also studies.

As I live in the Carmelite Priory, I can say that they are an extremely quiet family, and have only met the husband once at a community supper when invited by the Prior. I feel that this decision was a wise one.

We urge anyone who can help this family to offer some financial aid. Contributions can be sent to Fr Jürgen Cucciardi, O.Carm. Province Procurator, Carmelite Priory, Santa Venera Square, Santa Venera SVR 1681.

While thanking you for your help I am certain that Jesus will reward you for helping the foreigner as after all it is an act of mercy.

Fr Hermann Duncan O.Carm