In the 1970s and 1980s I used to help in a committee which worked hard to help the Capuchin Mission in Garissa, Kenya.
Fr Alessandro had miraculously survived an attack when he was shot in the leg in Garissa- Joe Zammit Ciantar, Santa Luċija
Sometime in the early 1980s, when Fr Paul Darmanin was appointed Bishop of Garissa I had asked for help in the form of good clothing, guitars, typewriters, fridges and other material which eventually filled two containers which were sent to the Capuchin mission.
The lot included used wedding, First Holy Communion, and Holy Confirmation dresses, new unused shoes from two local factories and a handsome sum of money.
Mgr Darmanin remained ever grateful for the generosity shown by the Maltese and before he left for Garissa he kindly asked me if I could help him obtain a PA system for his church in Garissa.
I was then teaching at the Girls’ Junior Lyceum at Blata-l-Bajda. I sent round a short note to all the staff asking for a contribution and, by the afternoon, I had the money needed to buy the equipment.
On the morrow, I presented the apparatus to Mgr Darmanin at my house where he accepted to join my family for a modest dinner. The generosity of the Maltese and Gozitans on that occasion was truly great.
Today I would like to make a similar appeal.
Some time ago, a great friend of mine, another Capuchin, Fr Joe Alessandro, was nominated Coadjutor Bishop of Garissa. I rejoiced and congratulated him for this nomination.
Fr Alessandro, who has the mission at heart, had miraculously survived an attack when, in the course of his duties, he was shot in the leg while driving in Garissa.
Bishop Alessandro (at present at the Capuchins’ Convent, Floriana) is preparing to return to Garissa for his new assignment, to help Bishop Darmanin. He will be leaving on 3 November.
On my own initiative, I am gently asking if any of your readers would contribute some money which Bishop Alessandro could take with him to his mission. This is my initiative with the full consent of Bishop Alessandro, who has been fully informed and has been invited home to meet my family on October 31.
I am gently inviting those who would like to contribute money to address his/her cheque to Bishop Joe Alessandro, and send it to me at the following address: 13, Triq in-Narcis, Santa Lucija SLC 1101.
Together with the cheque, one should also send his particulars: name, surname and full home address. Bishop Alessandro shall be sending personal letters signed by him, thanking each donor, indicating the amount received, as a receipt.
The contributions have to reach me by post or by hand, by noon on Wednesday, October 31. In the evening, they will be handed over to Bishop Alessandro.