Disability can be read as something limiting, worrying and off putting but through the efforts of many Maltese, it is being transfigured into a hymn of love and charity, according to Archbishop Elect Charles Scicluna.

Speaking at his first pastoral visit as Archbishop Elect at the Dar tal-Providenza, Mgr Scicluna described the residence as a cherished place where the mystery of transfiguration occurred everyday.    

“Disability can be read as a limit, as something which cannot have its own beauty, as something which is off putting and worrying.

“But thanks to the inspiration of founder Dun Mikiel Azzopardi and the generosity of generations of Maltese, disability has been transfigured and changed. Here, disability is not hidden and veiled but through charity, help, love and patience, difficult situations are transfigured into a testimony to human dignity.”

He concluded his brief homily with a prayer for those who entered the home and saw the pain of Golgota to not forget the glory of the Tabor.

Welcoming Mgr Scicluna, director Fr Martin Micallef called on him to listen more closely to the voice of people with a disability, reminding him of the slogan: “Nothing about us without us”.

“People with a disability must feel part of the Church and of Maltese society. Every person is precious and unique and the Church must encapsulate everyone.”

Mgr Scicluna was greeted warmly by the staff and residents of id-Dar tal-Providenza, who broke into applause upon his entrance. During the mass, he was assisted by Frankie Bonello, the resident who had so zealously dunked Mgr Scicluna with a bucket of icy water last August for the ALS ice bucket challenge.