Inspired by prayer, the Ursuline nuns have composed a series of spiritual songs which they have now recorded on CD to raise funds for the children's homes they run.

"Many of the songs were composed during prayer time," said Sr Michaela Paris who is one of the three Ursuline sisters who composed the music for 18 songs in the CD called Għallimni Nħobbok (Teach me how to love you).

She explained that the lyrics were also written by her fellow sisters and sung by an 18-nun choir accompanied by several instruments including the violin, drums and electric guitar.

The songs, the majority of which are in Maltese, deal with a variety of spiritual themes such as the Holy Spirit, Our Lady and the Eucharist.

While most songs were written over the past decade, some date back 20 years, Sr Michaela explained.

The Ursuline sisters yesterday presented a copy of the CD to Archbishop Paul Cremona whose message is printed on the CD leaflet.

The CD can be purchased from religious shops or the Ursuline convent in Sliema and costs €12. The money will go towards the refurbishing of the children's homes.

Malta's Ursuline sisters, set up some 120 years ago, celebrated their anniversary last month with the unveiling of a statue of their founder Mgr Isidore Formosa in Guardamangia.

The order has about 96 nuns spread in nine houses, four of which are residential homes for over 100 children.

The nuns can be contacted on 2133 8615/2133 1302.