Two nuns on 'dream' mission to the Philippines

Two Dorothean nuns will be realising a lifelong dream when they settle permanently in the Philippines to work with the poor and set up a formation home for new novices.

The ultimate wish of Sr Annie Catania, 64, and Sr Celia Agius Vadalà, who is in her 50s, is to eventually build a school and provide proper education for poor children in Manila.

However, the two nuns, who will be leaving soon, have their feet firmly planted on the ground and are aware that it will take a lot of money.

"For now we will focus our attention on helping the poor. We also have to look for a formation home where we can provide our three new candidates with a good spiritual experience to join our order," Sr Annie said.

Sr Annie will be leaving for the Philippines in two weeks time, while Sr Celia will be joining her shortly after completing her work in Taiwan.

In between their stints teaching students at St Dorothy's, both nuns have dedicated their lives to helping the poor and while Sr Celia has been in Taiwan for two years, Sr Annie recently returned from Angola.

Following an appeal in The Times, Sr Annie had raised Lm6,500 to help rebuild one of the schools and a dilapidated chapel which belongs to the Dorothean nuns in Angola.

"I have been informed that work is underway to build the school in Angola. I once again thank all those generous souls who have donated money and supported my mission," she said.

With her mind at rest that her mission in Angola is complete, Sr Annie has started packing her bags to leave for the Philippines - this time for good.

"It has not yet hit me that I will be leaving the island permanently. While I am extremely excited about leaving, I have to admit that I will miss my students and my family, who have supported me throughout," she said.

St Annie is still not sure what she will find when she gets to Manila but she has been informed that there is extreme poverty.

"I guess I will find what in a way I have always dreamed of - going to a poor country to help the people live a better life and give them my love," she enthused.

Sr Annie, who has presided over the Catholic Institute's Mission Movement for the past 15 years, said the project she had set up to sponsor a child in Angola was still ongoing and people could contact Kathleen Baldacchino at the institute.

Those who wish to help Sr Annie and Sr Celia in their new quest in the Philippines can send a donation to Bank of Valletta account no. 18208305010.