The Magnificat (Malta) Chapter will be hosting TV personality Claudia Koll on May 7 to brunch with Mass, starting at 9.30am at The Palace hotel, Sliema, where she will give a testimony.
Magnificat is a Catholic ministry for women whose aim is to give testimony to how the Lord works in our lives and converts us as we turn to him. Its primary purpose is to inspire spiritual growth in holiness for women and to evangelise them to the fullness of faith.
She will also speak about Christ’s love and mercy at a prayer meeting led by Fr Hayden Williams on May 6 at St Julian’s parish, themed Ejjew Għandi, which will start with Mass at 7pm.
Some of us remember the charm and beauty of Koll on Rai. Born in 1965, she was attracted to the world of acting and left home to pursue her career. She is the daughter of two Catholic doctors. At birth, she survived a high risk situation and her parents consecrated her to the Virgin Mary of the Most Holy Rosary. Due to her mother’s feeble health, she was brought up by her grandmother, who was blind.
During her years of acting, she attracted the attention of many famous actors. She hardly believed in her Catholic faith, so she experimented with buddhism and later on with the New Age Style Meditation. However, she did not find the faith and solace from such experiences.
It was during the Jubilee Year 2000 that she accompanied a friend to walk through the Porta Santa (Holy Door) at St Peter’s Basilica. She testifies this was the moment of a turning point in her life. It was a moment of grace for conversion, but it was not just a ‘Damascus conversion’, for she had to be purified by the Lord.
Some time later, she experienced a terrifying sense of evil, which sought to destroy the grace of God. She recited the Our Father while clutching a crucifix she had at home. She now believed that it was only the Merciful Father who could deliver her from evil. It was then that she was immersed in peace and serenity, while her whole being was given to the Lord.
Like St Augustine, she said, “Late have I loved You”, but now her love is a testimony of her conversion. On her conversion she walked with the mercy of God, but felt that “faith without good works is empty”.
She founded Le Opere del Padre, dedicated to missionary work in Africa. Another project was the building of a house for disabled children called Piccola Lourdes. She also set up the Star Rose Academy in Italy. Through this academy she helps youths in their acting, singing and dancing careers in a Christian spirit.
She has travelled to many places to ‘announce the good news and denounce the bad news’ (Isaiah). She will speak about Christ’s mercy in our lives and give her testimony to encourage people of all ages in this Holy Year of Mercy for conversion to God. Koll had visited Malta in 2006 and gave a moving testimony during a healing service led by John Bonnici Mallia.
For more information, get in touch with the Magnificat (Malta) Chapter by SMS on 7944 2468.