• Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna announced that a search is being undertaken launched to locate suitable premises for ‘Dar il-Ħniena’ – a new residence that would offer the latest palliative care for persons with terminal illness. He explained that this service will be provided by a registered Foundation in collaboration with entities which are already active in this area. The Archbishop said that this House shall be the tangible answer that the Church in Malta would be offering to those who are afraid of death without dignity due to the suffering related to terminal illness.
    The Archbishop announced his decision during a Mass that was held on Monday, 25th July 2016, in the chapel of the Archbishop’s Curia, in Floriana. This Mass, that was attended by the employees of the Curia and Caritas, was held to commemorate the feast of St Calcedonius, whose relics are venerated in the same chapel.
    Mgr Scicluna said that the creation of ‘Dar il-Ħniena’, fifty years from the inauguration of ‘Dar tal-Provvidenza’ (House of Providence) – another House that gives witness to the Church as servant, on the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ, – will be a living testimony of the Year of Mercy. While appealing to the generosity of the public in aid of this Dar tal-Ħniena, the Archbishop also said that this project is an answer to Pope Francis’s call so that every Diocese performs works of mercy to commemorate this Year of Mercy.
    During this Mass, the Archbishop prayed, through the intercession of St Calcedonius, for those women who will become mothers. He recalled the popular devotion of pregnant women towards this saint to ensure an uncomplicated delivery. He appealed to women to always choose the gift of life.