This August, a group from the Parish of Wied il-Għajn travelled to the Philippines to join the Missionary Society of St Paul. Altogether we were thirteen young men and women. For many, it was their first missionary experience and their first time in Asia. It was a unique opportunity that opened new horizons in our hearts and one we will never forget.
One of the aspects that struck us most was the strong sense of community we found in Manila and the way we were welcomed. The fraternity of the MSSP community was a powerful sign of how the Gospel is lived in practice, and their witness touched us deeply.
During our time there, we experienced many different activities: workshops with children in Manila, helping in the feeding programme for the homeless, and visits to universities and schools. We also had the privilege of working with the Sisters of Charity in the heart of Manila, who gave us a living testimony of service and humility.
Even though poverty was evident—and in many cases extreme—we young people were moved by the love of the people and by the way we always felt welcomed. We also visited Bataan, where the MSSP are present and heavily invested in the education of youth, especially through a youth orchestra born of dedication and passion.
This was truly a positive experience—one that brought hope in this Jubilee Year of Hope.