The outbreak of COVID-19 suddenly had us facing a new and unprecedented reality. As Pope Francis told us on Friday evening (27.03), during the extraordinary moment of prayer from the Vatican: “For weeks now it has been evening… We find ourselves afraid and lost.”

Through this trying time, we are witnessing positive things. Our society is showing itself to be altruistic and generous, with a feeling of solidarity sweeping through our country. Many messages and actions of support have been reaching those most affected by this virus and across all generation.

The Maltese Catholic Action (AKM) has always espoused and instilled these values to its members and society at large. The organisation has continuously found ways in which it could play its part. It is for this reason that AKM decided to open the doors of ŻAK House – which usually welcomes young people participating in youth exchanges and weekend live-ins, for six healthcare professionals to use, free of charge.

ŻAK House is currently the permanent residence of two radiographers, two physiotherapists, a nurse and a doctor. It was not an easy decision for them to leave their families behind.

    
Apart from this, through the Secretariat of Social Assistance (SAS), the AKM is trying to maintain the service provided via social workers and have also started helping families who are in a precarious situation due to loss of work during the current pandemic. We are calling for volunteers who wish to help in the current situation either by giving donations or perhaps even by giving a call to an elderly person who is lonely. We hope that together we can build our community in different ways during these trying times and be a beacon of Christ’s love and hope.

Marija Cachia
Viċi President
Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija