Hajja Salesjana

in the chapel of the Sliema oratory, solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I was ordained by H. E. Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta. It was a blessing for me to be ordained in the presence of the young people from the Oratory where I did my practical training. The following day, I celebrated my very first mass at the Marian Sanctuary of Mellieha, so dear to the Maltese, while on the 23rd June 2023, I celebrated my festive mass at the Divine Mercy shrine in Naxxar followed by a wonderful reception at Savio College. Some people would like to know how I ended up in Europe. In fact, as I didn't know any foreign languages, I saw myself as a missionary in Rwanda, a neighbouring country. But my superiors had other plans: they wanted me to go to Europe as part of the Salesians' Europe project where Europe was being considered as a mission land too. It was a big shock for me, because I wasn't expecting it, not even for a moment. I was scared because I'd never told my family about the possibility of going to work in Europe, and it was also the first time I left my own country. I started my missionary experience in Bulgaria, then my superiors sent me to Italy and afterwards to Malta where I have been since 2018. At first I was at the Salesian Oratory in Sliema, then at Savio College in Dingli. I spend most of my time working with young people. I feel welcome and accepted, especially with everyone I work with, and I'm happy so far. As a Salesian priest, I want first and foremost to live to the full Don Bosco's motto Da Mihi Animas et Caetera Tolle. I want to proclaim the Gospel to young people, above all by accompanying them so that they can save their soul. I want to encourage young people not to be afraid of commitment, especially when they feel called to become a priest or a sister. All photos in this article © Archidiocese of Malta 21 Lulju-Settembru 2023 hajja