September 8, 1995 saw a dream come true for Fr Angelo Seychell, better known as Dun Ang. On this special day, Dun Ang opened up his first residence to the first four people with physical or mental disability.

Inspired by Jean Vanier, Dun Ang adopted the same mission statement of the Canadian theologian and humanitarian:

“We aspire to, once again, give back to those persons with particular disabilities, that humanity that they have been denied of; for this to materialise we must create a warm family environment in which such persons can develop themselves to their abilities, to live in serenity as much as possible and achieve their dignity.”

On that day, Mass was celebrated by Dun Ang outside the new home named Dar Nazareth in Żejtun. A large crowd of people from all walks of life gathered to give thanks to the Lord for this blessing.

Every individual is kept active by performing duties that respect his or her disability

The prime objective of Dun Ang’s project is to have vulnerable persons taken out of institutions and placed in homes which offer an alternative family structure to those who do not have a family and to those who, for various reasons, cannot live with their own family.

In 2002 another home named after Fr Lawrence Degabriele was opened and in 2009 the Jean Vanier home was inaugurated.

A number of carers work a 24-hour shift, giving each resident the necessary attention required for his or her specific needs. These are carefully selected by the board of directors of the registered foundation. The president and administrator is Angelo Zahra.

Over the past three years I have often visited Dar Nazareth and have become familiar with the residents. A sense of tranquillity prevails at the home and the carers carry out their work with love and enthusiasm.

With a certain satisfaction, Dun Ang says that the homes have never borrowed money. Funds come from the government and some from the disability benefits of each resident. Two-thirds of this benefit is given to the home for everyday running while the remaining one-third is saved in the name of each individual in personal bank accounts. People’s generosity also helps immensely.

A crafts workshop was set up at the home and a manager assigned to each individual to help him or her develop skills which are in tandem with his/her particular disability. The goods made are sold for the benefit of the foundation as well. Some individuals also work in the industry. Every individual is kept active by performing duties that respect his or her disability. It is also in this way that personal dignity through work is enhanced.

Twenty years of experience have proven that the project was and still is successful. It also shows that the vision statement is a never-ending mission as vulnerable individuals will always be among us.

Today, Mass will once again be celebrated outside Dar Nazareth as an expression of gratitude to the Lord. This is God’s work for all to see and if God wants it, it will go from strength to strength in the coming 20 years and beyond, giving humanity and dignity to those in society who run the risk of being left alone or in institutions.

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