Little Sisters' new home inaugurated

The Little Sisters of the Poor of Hamrun saw their dream come true on Wednesday when President Eddie Fenech Adami officially inaugurated their new home in Hamrun.

The project consisted of the demolition of the old home and the building of a more modern complex to provide greater comfort for the elderly people who are taken care of by the Little Sisters.

Pride radiated from the faces of the sisters during the inauguration ceremony.

The chapel was filled to capacity with the families of the residents, guests and benefactors as Archbishop Joseph Mercieca celebrated Mass in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio Felix del Bianco Prieto, President Fenech Adami and former President Censu Tabone.

After Mass, Mother Provincial Maria Goretti Theresa delivered a message of greetings from Mother General Celine de la Visitazione.

The Little Sisters arrived in Malta in 1878 when they used a house in Pieta and later moved to Hamrun.

At present the 15 sisters look after 50 elderly residents at the new home. But the home has capacity for more.

The great expense involved in rebuilding the home was met mainly by benefactors and the sister's motherhouse in France. Money raised by a group of volunteers who form the Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor also helped.

A spokesman for the Friends said the sisters still have a balance of Lm80,000 to pay off.

Benefactors can continue to help by loaning Lm500 interest free. The money will be repayable in five years.