Edited from an article by Sr. Doris Saliba, Director of the Good Shepherd Sisters-Dar Merhba Bik Foundation, Malta

On December 13, 2025, Good Shepherd sisters shared moments of interfaith connection and solidarity at our emergency shelter for women and children in Balzan, Malta, when we were honored to welcome Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, accompanied by his colleague.

In a gesture of friendship, our guests arrived with a generous donation of sweets and panettone to brighten the days of our residents. However, the true gift was the time spent together in dialogue and mutual understanding. Mr. Steve Conti, Chairperson of the Good Shepherd Sisters-Dar Merhba Bik Foundation, joined us as we sat down to reflect on our respective callings.

A Shared Mission of Love

In the unique context of Malta, where diverse faiths navigate a shared path, this visit stood as a beautiful testament to the power of interfaith unity. We discovered a deep resonance between our Good Shepherd mission—to be a reconciling presence of Jesus, the Good Shepherd—and the Ahmadiyya community’s motto: “Love for All, Hatred for None.''

Despite our different traditions, we are united by a common devotion to God and a commitment to serve our neighbors with unconditional love. This meeting reinforced our sense of shared identity as people of faith working together to uphold the dignity of every human being.

A Safe Haven for Dignity and Hope

During the visit, we discussed the vital work of the Dar Merhba Bik Foundation, which serves as a beacon of hope for women and children who have experienced the trauma of domestic and gender-based violence.

Our mission is to provide more than just a roof over their heads; we strive to offer a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment where healing can begin. Through our two residential services, Dar Merħba Bik y Dar Santa Bakhita, we offer emergency accommodation and support for reintegration. Having offered safe accommodation to almost 4000 women since it was established, this year, in 2025, the shelter has been privileged to offer refuge to 62 women and 65 children, walking alongside them as they journeyed toward safety and independence.

Our work empowers these courageous women to regain their dignity and develop their full potential through psycho-social services, counseling, and practical support during court proceedings.

Looking Forward in Unity

Our guests were given a tour of our communal spaces, including the playroom and the Chapel. It was a truly fraternal visit, filled with warmth and respect.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration, working hand-in-hand to raise awareness about the importance of treating all women with dignity, care, and respect.

(L-R: Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, Sr. Doris Saliba, Mr. Steve Conti, Laiq’s assistant)