The Order of Malta distributed more aid in Victoria, Gozo to families with financial problems, with 20 tons of supplies given out.
The problem of families falling below the poverty line is increasing and St George’s Parish said that it wished to respond to this problem and entrusted its response to the Order of Malta based in Gozo with its office situated in the Domus Curialis – or Dar Lehen il-Belt Victoria – in St George’s Square.
Mr Chris F. Galea km, a member of the Order responsible for the Gozo office, advisedSt George’s Parish that the Order of Malta Volunteers in Gozo (OMVG) have taken over and are looking after the relief aid services provided by the Parish.
“The Order of Malta in Gozo, which provides medical and social assistance all over Gozo, is being involved in various relief aid projects on the island, including distributing supplies to needy families and elderly persons in Victoria without much fanfare,” the spokesperson said.
In Victora, the nine hundred-year old Order of the Catholic Church has been based in premises offered by St George’s Parish for over seven years. This office also serves as a specialised store for needy items which are distributed in cooperation with St George’s Parish Basilica.
While the Order of Malta continues with the distribution of supplies to all parishes, St George’s Parish said that it “really appreciates this assistance and involvement. The connections between the Knights of Malta and St George’s Basilica date back to centuries.”
The Parish said that members of the American Association of the Order of Malta recently commissioned and made arrangements to enable the Laudate Pueri Choir of St George’s Basilica, to sing Prof. Joseph Vella’s Hyland Mass in New York City next year.
“Most of the financial burden will be covered by the Americans after contact with the Maltese Association. Other Knights of Malta, foreign and local, were also patrons for various local artists and choirs, including feasts like St John’s Day and Our Lady of Victory celebrated in London,” the Parish said.
Members of the Order of Malta continue to provide a sterling service primarily by assisting those in need, as emphasised by Pope Francis. Among the MASMOM Gozitan members, two presently hail from St George’s Parish: Dr Saviour Galea and Dr Paul George Pisani.