For eleven years now, the light of hope has been shining from across Malta and Gozo, spreading to the ends of the faith, bringing hope, comfort, and solace to many who face the darkest trials for their faith.

On May 13, 2014, when Baron Johannes Freiherr Heereman inaugurated the Malta Office of Aid to the Church in Need, few could have foreseen the profound impact this small office would have in the years to come. His words that day now resonate with prophetic clarity: “It is part of our assignment by the Holy See to expand our activities so that more people can learn about the fate of Christians in the world and to give them the possibility to support our activities of solidarity.”

As we mark this significant milestone, we celebrate not just an anniversary, but a decade-plus journey of standing in solidarity with those who suffer for their faith—a journey made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our Maltese benefactors who refuse to look away from their brothers and sisters in need.

From humble beginnings, ACN Malta has blossomed into a vibrant organization that continues to touch countless lives. Over the past eleven years, we have joined hands with the 23 other national offices of our international foundation to fund over 5,000 projects annually in more than 140 countries. Through the generosity of our benefactors and the dedication of our volunteers, we have helped restore hope and rebuild lives shattered by persecution, poverty, and conflict.

Our work spans across continents and addresses diverse needs—from emergency aid for displaced Christians in Ukraine, and the Holy Land to providing milk for malnourished children in Syria through the ‘Drop of Milk project’; from supporting the training of seminarians in India and Ecuador to assisting families affected by natural disasters and economic crises in Lebanon and Pakistan. Through these efforts, we have become the lifeline that many Christian communities depend on for their survival and the sustenance of their faith.

As the Maltese national office of the international pontifical foundation, ACN Malta has also been a faithful guardian of the organization’s tripartite mission: Prayer, Information, and Action. We have led numerous prayer campaigns, including the annual ‘One Million Children Praying the Rosary’ initiative, organized retreats, and celebrated Masses for our benefactors, both living and deceased. Through our weekly e-newsletters, radio programs on Radju Marija, television series on UTV, and our dedicated page in “Il-Leħen,” we have amplified the voices of those who suffer in silence and brought their stories to the hearts of the Maltese people.

ACN Malta has also been privileged to welcome to our shores many witnesses to faith—priests, religious, and lay faithful who have experienced persecution firsthand. Their testimonies have not only raised awareness but have also inspired many to join our cause. Through these encounters, the faithful in Malta and Gozo have come to understand that the challenges faced by Christians in places like Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan are not distant concerns but urgent calls for solidarity from members of our own family in faith.

 

A particular source of pride for ACN Malta has been our continued support for Maltese and Gozitan missionaries serving in various parts of the world. These dedicated men and women, who have left the comfort of their homeland to bring Christ’s message of love to distant shores, find in ACN Malta a reliable partner and source of support for their vital work.

As we reflect on these eleven years with immense gratitude, we are mindful that the needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters have not diminished but have, in many cases, become more acute. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Holy Land, the economic crisis in Lebanon, the persistent threat of extremism in parts of Africa and Asia, and the discrimination against Christians in many societies—all these challenges call for renewed commitment and increased support.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our benefactors, promoters, and volunteers whose generosity and dedication have made our work possible. Without you, the countless stories of hope and healing that have emerged from our projects would not have been possible.

As we look to the future with hope and determination, we invite all people of goodwill in Malta and Gozo to join hands with us in this life-saving mission. Whether through prayer, spreading awareness, volunteering, or financial support, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of those who suffer for their faith.

To mark this special anniversary, why not consider a gift that continues throughout the year by setting up a regular monthly donation? Or celebrate our eleven years of service with a special contribution today? Your support will ensure that ACN Malta can continue to be a sign of hope and solidarity for our persecuted brothers and sisters for many years to come.

To learn more about ACN Malta, to become a volunteer, promoter, or benefactor, please email info@acnmalta.org or call 2148 7818.