When they reach their 60s, most people start thinking of their retirement, but instead, Sr Annie Catania headed to the Philippines to support deprived families.

Over the past 15 years she has been living and working with victims of the “wealth injustices” in Manila who do not afford to rent a room that they can call home.

During a short visit to Malta, the 79-year-old recalled that a few years ago she had urged readers to help her turn into reality a “big dream” that would change the lives of some of these families. 

She now wants to thank the Maltese who have financed, among others, the building of 13 homes that host people who would otherwise sleep on the streets.

The complex is called Saint Paula’s village, after the foundress of the congregation St Dorothea. The largest family hosted there comprises seven children, and one family has actually started a tailoring business from one of these houses, Sr Annie told the Times of Malta on World Mission Sunday.

The unjust sharing of wealth often leads people to poverty

The building of more houses depends on more sponsorships.

Sr Annie, who forms part of the Sisters of St Dorothy community there, said the unjust sharing of wealth often led people to poverty. Salaries could range between €2 and €8 for a whole 12-hour shift, while renting a room would cost at least €60 a month.

The Maltese have also funded scholarships that lift some of them out of the crippling cycle of poverty. Seven teachers and two secretaries have just graduated from university over summer, Sr Annie said proudly.

One scholarship recipient wanted to pass on gratitude to the sponsors: “You gave me a wide door to concentrate on what is more important – education – and your generosity allows me to get inches closer to my goal. I hope one day I will be able to return what has been given to me and to help other students in reaching their goals.”

A family has started a tailoring business from one of the houses.

The community, meanwhile, provides them with “livelihood courses” consisting of, among others, cooking, hairdressing and also human resource management skills.

Sr Annie also runs a ‘feeding programme’ equipping mothers and their children with skills that could help them earn a living.

They are provided with daily nutritious meals, and while the children take English, crafts and other lessons before heading to public school, their mothers are taught cross stitch and embroidery and their finished products are sold in a bazaar at the St Dorothy’s convent in Mdina.

They have also set up a small kitchen where they make food products that they then sell on the streets.

Those who wish to help Sr Annie may send a donation to Sr Celia Agius-Vadalà, St Dorothy’s Convent, Mdina Road, Żebbuġ, or to Bank of Valletta account: 18208305010.