During Mother Teresa's last visit to Malta, as chairman of the Co-workers I asked her about the possibility of having her sisters serve in Malta. Much to my surprise, she gave a positive reply, saying that if the Archbishop gave permission, she would consider the possibility. In haste, I consulted Lilian Miceli-Farrugia (previous chairman of the Co-workers).

We agreed to have a meeting with Mgr. Joseph Mercieca. At first he was not in favour of having yet another religious community in Malta. However, he changed his mind at a later stage and the required permission was granted. Mother Teresa was informed about the good news and within a short period of time, the Missionaries of Charity were on their way to Malta.

Better known as the Sisters of Mother Teresa, they celebrate their 20th anniversary on the feast of St Paul - February 10. What a blessing it has been!

The first missionaries (five) were greeted by local Co-workers of Mother Teresa at Luqa Airport. They were located in Eagle Street, Cospicua. Sr Aletta (one of the first missionaries to serve in Malta) was brutally murdered in Yemen on July 27, 1998.

The MCs, as they are also known, are giving sterling service to the Maltese community not only to the people of Cospicua but elsewhere, serving the needy, the sick and the suffering. They make home visits to those who are lonely. They gather children after school hours to teach them crafts.

They also pay regular visits to the prisons. A number of volunteers give the sisters a helping hand. Their presence in Malta has been a heavenly bliss. Sr Ruth, a Polish MC who served in Malta for nine years, could speak Maltese fluently.

It is indeed a joy to have the Missionaries of Charity serving in Malta.