Marathon for the missions raises Lm57,747

The fourth edition of the 60-hour broadcasting marathon Ohloq Tbissima raised Lm57,747 for the Missionary Society of St Paul's projects in Malta, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines and for evangelisation.

Broadcast on Melita Cable's Channel 30 and streamed live on the Web at www.di-ve.com, the marathon, which ended last Sunday at midnight, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Labour leader Alfred Sant the previous Friday.

There was a programme packed with activities including Mass, discussions, footage and interviews with various missionaries, karaoke, abseiling, activities for children and evening shows featuring the best of local talent, which were held in the courtyard of St Joseph's Home in St Venera which is run by the MSSP.

At the marathon launch, Fr Louis Mallia, director of CAM Productions International, explained that the fund-raiser aimed to give hope to people where the MSSP missionaries work in a simple, caring way. The marathon, he said, intended to put a smile on these people's faces while restoring their dignity.

Dr Gonzi and Dr Sant encouraged the Maltese people to contribute to the MSSP missionaries' cause. For a short while, they changed their usual roles and interviewed missionaries about their work in the Third World.

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca also visited the marathon and encouraged people present at the event and viewers to be generous as the missionaries needed considerable funds to carry out their work.

As the marathon drew to a close, Fr Mallia thanked all who somehow contributed to the event. The marathon, he said, involved a lot of work and energy, but is worthwhile knowing that once again several families, children, young people and elderly in need will benefit.

Leaving one's homeland to be a missionary is not easy, yet these missionaries share their lives with the people they work with and face any situation they encounter driven by the urge to share God's love.

Marthese Brincat, assistant director of CAM Productions International, also expressed her thanks to all who helped make the marathon yet another positive and enriching experience for all.

Donations may be made by texting 5061-8070 (Lm2), 5004-9853 (Lm3), 5004-9855 (Lm5) or 5004-9850 (Lm10) until July 31.