The capuchins living their charism with the migrants

On Friday March 3rd the Franciscan Capuchins in Malta organized the launching of the “Peace and Good Foundation” with its objective to care for the migrants and refugees. This pastoral work had begun since the first group of migrants embarked in Gozo in the year 2001. From the beginning the Capuchins lived their charism as Franciscans helping the poorest among the poor as always they did even with the local population.

The topic chosen for the launching day was “Mental health and spirituality of migrants in Malta”. Main speakers were Fr. Philip Cutajar OFMCap, Project Manager of the said foundation, Fr. Joe Grixti OFM Cap, member of the board, Vanja Vajagic, specialized therapist and Project Coordinator of the foundation; Prof Paul Clough and Dr. Colin Calleja both professors at the Malta University.

Besides pastoral and spiritual support to migrants and refugees through the Special Parish founded for the Eritrean Community in Malta, the Capuchins through the “Peace and Good Foundation” provide free lessons in Maltese and English languages, and also they are followed by a specialized therapist for alcohol and psychoactive substance abuse problems. The Foundation also dedicates much of its time and energy to educate the local population in order to accept and love all the migrants coming to Malta through Christian values.