Along the years, the Catholic Action property in Żurrieq suffered some damages and was in dire need of maintenance. An extensive renovation was carried out in order to transform it into a safe space adequate to serve its mission; working with youth.
As a result, the Maltese Catholic Action received funding for a €30,000 project titled: Reviving a safe space for youth formation and development in Żurrieq through infrastructural investment. This project is co-financed by EU funds from the Leader Programme under Measure 2: Strengthening a healthy cultural identity administered by the Gal Xlokk Foundation. The Maltese Catholic Action has also been awarded €7,500 from the Co-Financing Fund, a funding scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. Thanks to the Planning Authority scheme, Irrestawra Darek, the Maltese Catholic Action has also been able to carry out restoration works to the façade's apertures. The organisation has forked out an additional €11,000 and there have also been a number of volunteers and benefactors who have also ensured that the project is completed in a timely manner. Through such funds, the renovation of this building included the restoration of the stone facade, the restoration of the yard, the installation of membrane on the roof and terraces, restoration of the balcony and a number of apertures, as well as the installation of a new bathroom.
The legacy of Fr Ġużepp Zammit Falzon continues in Żurrieq
Fr Ġużepp Zammit Falzon (15.04.1895 - 16.04.1964) was born, lived, served and died in the village of Żurrieq. Apart from serving the parish of Żurrieq as an exemplary priest, Fr Ġużepp worked tirelessly to strengthen the parish and the Maltese Catholic Action and was respected for both his work and the values he personified. Fr Zammit Falzon recognised the role of the laity in the Church and helped to strengthen the Maltese Catholic Action in the village of Żurrieq. So much so, that Fr Zammit Falzon offered the property in Triq San Mikiel in which property he lived and died, for the use of the Maltese Catholic Action in Żurrieq.
Over time, the Maltese Catholic Action recognised the need for a youth centre in Żurrieq and the property hosted youth groups for several decades. Here, youths found a place of refuge after school or work hours, where they could participate in informal educational activities, which contributed to their personal, mental, emotional, social and spiritual development. All meetings and activities that take place are inspired by the Word of God.
Activities organised by ŻAK focus on communication skills, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, management of resources, as well as the implementation of initiatives and activities by the youth themselves. These skills are relevant to both personal and professional life. Furthermore, the activities are inspired by the values of social justice and civic action, thus fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability towards society and Catholic values. Through these activities, the youth of Żurrieq and the surrounding areas formed friendships that have endured beyond their time in ŻAK, including connections with individuals living abroad - relationships they would not have established without their involvement in ŻAK.
The ultimate aim of the Maltese Catholic Action is that the Żurrieq Centre continues to be a safe and suitable place for today's youth, so that more young people have the opportunity to take part in group meetings and activities that contribute to their holistic development. In this way, the legacy of Dun Ġużepp Zammit Falzon in Żurrieq continues. Like any other voluntary organisation during the Covid years, ŻAK Żurrieq went through a difficult period due to the pandemic and was closed for some time due to the lack of members and leaders. Despite the challenges, a new group for young people aged 16 and over was re-established in 2023. The official opening of the centre was held yesterday evening.
ŻAK Żurrieq is now inviting young people born in 2007 or before (16+) to attend the weekly meetings that take place on Fridays between 7 and 9.30pm at this centre in Triq San Mikiel.
If you would like to help the Maltese Catholic Action in this particular project, you can send an email on: [email protected] or call the Catholic Action on 2122 2239.
You can also donate in cash via BOV Pay on 7956 3681 or deposit into the BOV account (IBAN: MT94VALL 22013000 00004002 3865169) or the APS account (IBAN: MT10APSB 77046004 25502000 0217651).
Catholic Action is registered with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (VO/1743)