I have been a missionary in Guatemala for the past 15 years, and have just returned to continue my mission after spending a four-week holiday with my family and friends in Malta and Gozo. Unfortunately, however, I did not manage to thank all the benefactors who have helped me so much in so many different ways. Consequently, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.

As I am sure readers are aware, my parish now boasts of a hospital, thanks to the generosity of so many Maltese and Gozitan benefactors, who not only sent donations but also came over in groups to lend a helping hand in the actual building of the hospital. Now, thank God, I feel that my parishioners are being well-cared for, in both body in soul.

Many American and Canadian doctors come every year to help us care for our sick and to pass on their expertise. This, of course, is an immense help and we are extremely grateful to them.

However, the hospital is also in need of financial help as the running expenses are great. My trust in Divine Providence is unlimited, but I am very much aware that God uses men and women to fulfil His plans.

We cannot all be missionaries but, if those who can afford to help financially send a donation, they too will become missionaries in a way, for is not the missionary the man or woman who has helped those in need ?

Here I would like to remind my benefactors that, apart from the hospital, I have various other projects in hand, namely, the digging of wells for agricultural purposes and ponds for freshwater fish-farming, and the subsidising of food for very poor, undernourished children.

Consequently, if anybody would like to help by giving a donation, he can do so by sending a cheque, payable to me, either to my sisters at 28, St Zachary Street, Xewkija, tel: 2155 1327 or to my friends Charles and Lina Thake, 169, Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara, tel: 2144 1776.

Donations can also be made by blank sms: 5061 7372 for €3; 5061 8066 for €5; 5061 8911 for €7.

Thanking you and promising you my constant prayers.