On Christmas Eve, Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife, Dr Lydia Abela, brought festive joy to young patients at Mater Dei Hospital and the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre. Accompanied by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, they distributed gifts collected through the ‘Rigal b’Imħabba’ (‘Gift with Love’) initiative, now in its fifth edition.

Dr Lydia Abela expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming generosity of the Maltese and Gozitan people, stating, “I continue to admire the values of solidarity shown by the Maltese and Gozitan people.”

Prime Minister Abela highlighted the importance of remembering those hospitalised during the festive season, noting, “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces today reminds us of the strength and resilience they show every day.”

The ‘Rigal b’Imħabba’ initiative, led by Dr Lydia Abela, has become a cherished annual tradition, collecting hundreds of gifts for children in need. This year’s event featured a festive Christmas village in Castille Square, where families and local councils contributed generously.

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During their visit, the Abelas also met with representatives from Puttinu Cares, an organisation dedicated to supporting families of children undergoing treatment. They acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide care and support to young patients and their families.

The ‘Rigal b’Imħabba’ initiative continues to embody the spirit of giving and community, bringing smiles and hope to those facing challenging times during the holiday season.

#MaltaDaily

Photos: DOI – Alan Saliba

Malta mourns the loss of an extraordinary figure, Maria Farrugia, who passed away at the remarkable age of 112, cementing her legacy as the oldest woman ever recorded in Malta’s history.

Born Maria Galea in Mosta in 1912, Maria’s life spanned over a century of profound change and historical milestones. Growing up in Msida and later moving to Ħamrun during World War II, Maria’s resilience became a testament to the strength and spirit of the Maltese people. She lived through two world wars, the Spanish Flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing Malta’s transformation from a British colony to an independent nation.

Maria married Ġorġ Farrugia and together they had three children. Though she was widowed in 1962 and experienced the heartbreak of losing two of her children, her life was filled with love and dedication to her family. Her daughter Carmen and grandson Stephen lovingly cared for her in her later years.

As a seamstress, Maria contributed to her community by making blankets and selling milk from the family goat. Her simple joys in life—saying the rosary, flipping through old photographs, and savoring meals of vegetable soup and bread with olives—reflected her humble and grounded nature.

In 2022, Maria candidly shared with The People of Malta that there were no secrets to her long life, yet her faith, familial bonds, and contentment with life’s simplicities undoubtedly played a role in her longevity.

#MaltaDaily