Church of The Good Shepherd
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The Church of the Good Shepherd, a serene and elegant sanctuary nestled in the heart of Ħal Balzan, stands as a testament to the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd’s unwavering commitment to service and compassion. Its history, interwoven with the congregation’s arrival in Malta in 1859, mirrors their amazing dedication to uplifting those in need.
Initially established in Ħal-Lija, the Sisters recognized the need for a dedicated home to care for young women in need of assistance. In 1868, they moved to Ħal Balzan, where they purchased a large plot of land extending from the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary convent to Villa Madama, close to San Anton Gardens. This land provided ample space for both a convent and a church, reflecting the Sisters’ growing mission.
The construction of the Church of the Good Shepherd commenced in 1898, under the leadership of architect Vincenzo Busuttil and master mason Piju Ebejer. The foundation stone was laid on March 10, 1898, and three years later, on February 7, 1901, Bishop Pietro Pace officially blessed the church. Its architecture, characterised by its fine Maltese stonework and serene atmosphere, exudes an aura of tranquility, inviting visitors to seek solace and reflection.
The church’s interior is adorned with exquisite details, including the tabernacle, pulpit, and statues of saints. The main altarpiece, depicting the Good Shepherd with sheep, represents the Sisters’ mission to guide and protect those in need. The church’s windows, adorned with stained glass, allow natural light to filter in, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Over the years, the Church of the Good Shepherd has served as a beacon of hope for countless individuals, providing a sanctuary for prayer, solace, and spiritual guidance. It has played a pivotal role in the Sisters’ mission to empower and support those in need, making it a cornerstone of the Balzan community.
Today, the church continues to be a vibrant centre of faith and devotion, attracting visitors from all walks of life. Its serene atmosphere and rich history offer a glimpse into the Sisters’ unwavering commitment to service and compassion, making it an enduring landmark in the heart of Balzan.
The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
In 1859, the initial contingent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd of Angers made their way to Malta. The global expansion of the “Good Shepherd” following the establishment of the Generalate in 1835 was remarkable, verging on miraculous. The Sisters’ journey began in Rome, Italy, and subsequently extended to Munich in Germany and London in Great Britain by 1838. By April 24, 1843, they reached Mustapha, near Algiers, eventually settling in El-Biar, Algeria, in October of the same year.
Mary Euphrasia, in her correspondence with the Sisters, affectionately referred to them as “My children of the kingdom of Africa.” Driven by a deep attraction to Africa, she displayed unwavering determination to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of “saving souls” and rescuing young girls who were being cruelly sold in North African markets.
In 1845, the “Good Shepherd” extended its mission to Cairo, Egypt, collaborating with Father Gian Battista Olivieri, a prominent missionary from Genoa. Witnessing the misery of enslaved children prompted Mary Euphrasia to establish a House in Egypt, sparing the “little ones” from the arduous journey to Europe, where many often succumbed to exhaustion and hunger upon arrival.
Encouraged by the success of their mission in Egypt, Mary Euphrasia dispatched Sisters to Tripoli, Libya, in 1846. However, due to insurmountable challenges in the Islamic environment, this mission endured for only a decade. The Sisters then relocated to Oran and Constantin in Algeria, later extending their reach to Smyrna, Turkey, in June 1849, responding to a request from Bishop Mgr Anthony Mussabini.
In Smyrna, the Sisters established a boarding school and orphanage, mirroring their efforts in Cairo. However, faced with opposition from both Orthodox and Muslim communities, they were compelled to return westward along the Mediterranean and ultimately settled in Malta.
The Sisters’ presence in Malta was initiated by Canon Calcedonio Falzon, who encountered them while they were en route to Cairo.
Impressed by their mission, he proposed this vocation to one of his penitents, 18-year-old Grazia Sammut from Għargħur. Intrigued by the idea, Grazia, accompanied by a friend, embarked on a journey to Angers for the Novitiate at the Mother House in France. Mary Euphrasia, the Foundress, held Grazia in high regard, fondly referring to her as “my little Maltese girl,” and envisioned a new foundation on the Island of St. Paul with these Maltese postulants. This historical account is detailed in an 1859 Circular Letter from the Mother House in Angers.
