During their first year at St Aloysius’ College Sixth Form, Birkirkara, students are invited to take part in a 55-hour social responsibility programme, whereby students take part in various different volunteering experiences either in Malta or abroad.
Among the various options, 14 students chose to help in a two-week summer camp organised by the Sisters of Mother Teresa in Armagh, Northern Ireland, for 60 children aged between five and nine.
One of the students, Anne Farrugia, said learning to live with people she hardly knew and work with them was a challenge in itself, and that being in another country made it even harder, but that what came out of it was “the best reward in the world”.
Farrugia said seeing “the children smile, and knowing you are the reason why, is the greatest gift”. She added that the camp forged a lasting friendship among the volunteers as they had “come together for a common cause and shared the experience of spiritual growth”.
Another 15 students joined 336 pilgrims who visited Lourdes at the end of summer with the organisation Assocjazzjoni Volontarji Lourdes.
One of the students, Gaby Gauci Borda, said it was rewarding to know they could be of some help. During their stay, the students listened to the experiences of many of the sick and their loved ones.
“It was impressive to see how they never lose hope and support each other through these difficult times,” she said. “Their courage and dedication was inspirational. It taught us to appreciate our life and be grateful for all we have.”
She added that the students were amazed to see millions of people, some of whom were very weak, travelling long distances to gather in Lourdes to pray by themselves and with their loved ones in search of physical healing as well as spiritual and emotional peace.
“Their devotion could be seen when everyone gathered in the grotto to recite the Rosary or to touch the holy rock, or during the breathtaking processions, such as the aux flambeaux.
“Their strong faith was visible in the long queues waiting to enter the sacred baths or to light a candle outside the grotto,” she said.