I was a young man of 20 when I joined the Jesuit order. A couple of years later, my superiors agreed to send me to India, after I had expressed a strong wish to work among the poor in that country.

After completing my studies I was ordained a priest and began my missionary work with the Santals, a tribal group that were eager to embrace Christianity.

Mission stations were established by the Jesuits, schools were built and hostels for girls and boys were constructed.

Eventually churches were built for the faithful as well as clinics and dispensaries to cater for the sick and disabled.

Apart from my apostolic work, I took it upon myself to involve myself in construction work. I had to play the part of the beggar – collecting money for various projects. I was so involved that I was called ‘the builder’.

All this would not have happened were it not for the generosity of the Maltese people, who throughout all these years have contributed towards these projects. The Mission Fund always came to my rescue when funds dried up.

I recently received €2,000 from them to go towards the building of two hostels in the village of Baghmara.

I encourage you to help the Mission Fund, who are doing an excellent job.

Thank you and God bless.