Photo: Archdiocese of Malta – Ian Noel Pace
After months of restoration, Dar Sant’Anna in Senglea has reopened its doors, this time as a residential home for persons with disabilities of different ages and abilities. Until a few years ago, this historic Church property served as a home for the elderly.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna blessed and officially inaugurated the new facility, which is now operated by HILA Homes Ltd, part of the CareMalta Group. This project marks another example of the Church making its property available for a social mission, in service of the most vulnerable.
Dar Sant’Anna offers a wide range of therapeutic, educational and physical support services tailored to the individual needs of its residents, many of whom have been part of HILA’s journey for several years.
The inauguration began with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna in the home’s chapel, concelebrated by Mgr Martin Micallef, Episcopal Vicar for the Diaconia, and Fr Robin Camilleri, Archpriest of Senglea. In his address, the Archbishop described the home as a sign of hope for vulnerable people and for society as a whole. “This is a message of inclusivity,” he said. “Here, residents can remain close to their families, knowing they will be cared for and welcomed. Their loved ones, in turn, can find peace of mind, assured that no one will be left alone or abandoned.” The Archbishop thanked CareMalta for its commitment, which he said ensures that vulnerable persons—so dear to the heart of the Church—will benefit from this initiative.
Fr Robin Camilleri described the home as “a place of welcome, care and solidarity where the values of the Gospel are lived daily”. He added: “Dar Sant’Anna is an invitation to the people of Senglea to help build a society that honours the dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable”.
Ms Natalie Briffa Farrugia, Chairperson of Vassallo Group, underlined how the project reflects successful collaboration between the State, the Church and the private sector: “Together, we are serving those most deserving of dignity and respect, ensuring that society’s wealth is used where it matters most—for the benefit of the people.
HILA CEO, Ms Janet Silvio, explained that the transition of residents to Dar Sant’Anna took place gradually over several months. “Today, the people living here are happy with this step forward into their new home, and being integrated further within the community,” she said.
Founded in 2015, HILA operates seven facilities across the island, providing services to persons with disabilities, children in alternative care, individuals with mental health conditions, and persons with motor-neuron developmental disease.
About Dar Sant’Anna
Dar Sant’Anna has a rich history dating back to 1794, when Nicolò Dingli and his wife Madalena Cornelio bequeathed their home on the Senglea seafront — including an oratory — to be converted into a hospital for elderly, poor and disabled women. Known for many years as Ospizio Sant’Anna, the home was blessed in 1817 by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Malta, Canon Fr Xmun Biagio, and welcomed its first residents in 1819.
In 1898, the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters began serving at the home, a mission they continued for over 80 years. The original building was replaced in the early 1980s by the current facility, inaugurated by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca on 30 June 1987. St Anna’s Home ceased to function as a residence for the elderly in 2019.
Photo: Archdiocese of Malta – Ian Noel Pace