• Ms Josephine Mercieca, home manager at Dar Sant’Anna in Senglea, has retired after 13 years of service with the Church Homes for the Elderly. In a recent farewell event, Mons. Charles Cordina, the Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, thanked her for her determination and for leading by example both at Dar Sant’Anna and also at Casa Leone in St Julian’s, a home she managed until 2016. Mr Andre Vassallo Grant, director for Church Homes, commented that Ms Mercieca was instrumental in providing elderly residents with a comfortable and peaceful environment in their twilight years. With a bachelor’s degree in youth and community studies, Ms Mercieca had joined the Archdiocese after taking up a voluntary redundancy scheme offered by the national airline, after 30 years of service. She was manager of passenger handling, managing the day-to-day operations at the airport.

    Mr Michael Pace Ross, Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta, commented on the positive attitude Ms Mercieca showed towards the residents and their relatives.

    He also mentioned that Dar Sant’Anna will now undergo extensive renovation and refurbishment works to bring it in line with national standards. By February 2020 all residents and staff will be relocated to other homes, including homes run by the government, so that works can commence once the home is completely vacated.