Refectory of Martha’s Kitchen opens its doors
The Refettorju tal-Kċina ta’ Marta (Refectory of Martha’s Kitchen) opened its doors this evening at the Balzan Welcoming Centre, run by the Migrants Commission.
The Maltese Association of the Order of Malta has enlisted a number of Members and Volunteers to assist at the Refettorju by preparing, plating and serving food to the various guests making use of this twice weekly evening service, and helping them to enjoy their meal in a warm and friendly environment.
For this purpose a roster has been compiled, which is constantly updated on Google Sheets.
This evening’s opening session was headed by the Hospitaller, Dr. Kevin F. Dingli, who lead the team in short prayer just before doors were opened to the public.
Dame Paula Pace was appointed Team Leader of this shift, which very quickly got organised and handled very smoothly all the teething problems which were encountered.
Just as is the case with the refreshment trolley service which is run by the Maltese Association at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, all those volunteering for service on this project put on their distinctive red tabards or aprons of service.
On offer this evening was a nutritious carrot soup and a delicious shepherd’s pie.
The Refectory can seat a total of 40 patrons at any one time. Whilst this was a bit of a slow start, witnessing an attendance by 10 patrons, in addition to a number of workers who were engaged in related works on site, the service is expected to get busier as the word spreads.
The shift was also visited by the Rev. Mgr. Karm Farrugia, Parish Priest of Balzan, who blessed the premises as well as all those offering their service there. In a brief address to the volunteers, Mgr. Farrugia recalled Our Lord’s exhortation to his apostles in the words “You give them to eat”.
On closure of the service, the Rev. Fr. Anton D’Amato, Director of the Migrants Commission, lead the team in a productive post mortem, where the evening’s experience was analysed and a number of suggestions were made for improvement, which were duly taken note of.
The Maltese Association augurs that, through the dedicated and continuing support of its Members and Voluntees, the Refettorju tal-Kċina ta’ Marta, will succeed in meeting its noble aims of living up to its mission : “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat” (MT 25:35).
KFD
