Lately, I received this message from Fr. Domnic Agyapong, a priest from Ghana who was hosted for some days by a Maltese family who sponsored his studies. I think that his words represented hundreds of letters and requests that we receive throughout the year at the Missions Office in Valletta. Thus they offer our readers a good picture of who we are and what we do:
FOR MALTESE KINDNESS IS GENETICAL AND HEREDITARY
I was just a small boy when my catechism teacher told me about the kindness of people of Malta when he read Acts of the Apostles 28:1ff. My catechism teacher who was also a catechist for my parish also said, the respect, generosity and gifts that the people of Malta gave to St. Paul made God to bless them abundantly. From that very day l prayed to God to help me to visit that country, Malta, in my lifetime. As a young boy I thought the biblical villages, towns and cities were in heaven and so l wished to die so that l could experience or see those places. When I got to the age of reason l again prayed to God to help me to visit Malta to see where the ship of St. Paul wrecked. For many years of harboring this desire, my wish was fulfilled just last year by an invitation of a family friend in Malta. I was in Malta for three weeks. In fact, l really cherished the love, care and peace among the people in the land of Malta. I was really happy and overwhelmed. In fact, throughout my stay in Malta, l got to know that the love and kindness that the people of old gave to St. Paul are still prevailing. I visited a lot of places and at all these places people showed me love and care.
Again, I just want to encourage all of you especially those who have adopted some children, seminarians, priests, religious sisters and brothers in Africa especially Ghana by helping us in education, priestly ministry and other things that, God will definitely reward you as He, Himself has said in the Gospel of Matthew 10:42. It was when l came to Malta that l got to know that many, many Maltese are helping good number of Africans especially in Ghana, in the priesthood as well as in the seminary. The people of Malta help bishops, priests and seminarians.
It was amazing how hospitable the people of Malta are. My friends introduced me to a lot of people and each person was willing to share the little he /she had with me even those who did not have. Some took me out for lunch and dinner. Some gave me used as well as new clothes to be given to the children in my parish.
It is a joy to express my gratitude and appreciation to first of all my family friends. This family has been supporting me for the past ten years. May God reward this good family for all that they have spent on me. Again, many thanks to all those who have been assisting bishops, priests and seminarians in Africa especially, Ghana in their ministry and education. Another appreciation goes to Msgr. Micalef the Director in the mission office for his help and care that he give to us as regards mass stipends. Msgr. Micalef was so welcoming and kind for the first time l went to his mission office. Msgr. is doing wonderful job and l pray that the Lord will continue to shower his strength and blessing on him in the special way in order to do his priestly ministry effectively. Finally, to all benefactors and benefactresses, who are caring and supporting the church in Africa and those who have been contributing to the Mission Office in Malta. I pray to the Lord that through this kind gesture or contributions all those who are sick will be healed, those who are anxious, confused, worried and disturbed in marriage, finance, relationships, workplaces and so on will receive special peace and consolation from the Lord himself. May the Holy Spirit be their strength and may our mother Mary intercede for them always. I do pray for you all always and humbly ask you to pray for all priests especially those in Malta and Africa. The Lord be with you all.
Rev. Fr. Agyapong Dominic ( from Ghana)