A new day care centre for the elderly called Dar Dun Franġisk Grima was officially opened last Sunday in Racecourse Street, Nadur. The house was donated to Nadur parish church by the relatives of Dun Franġisk Grima, a local priest who used to live there.

In a commemorative speech, Daniel Meilak spoke about Fr Grima, who was ordained to the priesthood in July 1938 and celebrated his first Mass on August 21, 1938, at Nadur parish church.

Unfortunately, he died only six months later on January 18, 1939, aged 30. Nonetheless, he is remembered for his virtuous life, including the work he carried out with the Catholic Action, village youths, the celebration of church liturgy and the assistance he gave to the sick and the elderly.

Archpriest Mgr Jimmy Xerri thanked all those who had helped the day care centre to start operating, including the members of the committee formed to oversee the project and Nadur local council for its collaboration in running the centre. He said the start of the project was an important first step but there were plans to further use the property for the elderly and the community.

Fr Xerri invited elderly people not only to use the centre but also to pass on their experience, knowledge and skills to the rest of the community. He stressed the need for the community to protect the elderly, who together with children, are among the two most vulnerable categories of society.

After the ceremony, Fr Xerri blessed those present and planted an olive tree in the centre’s garden, while guests toured the centre and enjoyed some refreshments.

The centre is currently open every Thursday from 9am till noon.

The centre will organise outings and host information meetings on various subjects.

Nadur committees that have elderly people as members may also use the centre.

For further information about the centre, or to offer assistance, call the Nadur parish office on 2155 1649 or the Nadur council on 2155 8080.