FOUNDER
SERVING THE POOR IN BRAZIL, ethiopia and kenia.
The Founder
Monsignor George Grima
Father George Grima was born in Rabat, Gozo on 3 December 1950, son of Ġużeppi and Manuela nee Said, the second of ten children. He received his education in the primary school in Rabat and continued his studies for priesthood in the seminary of the heart of Jesus in Rabat, Gozo.
He was ordained by the Bishop, Nikol Cauchi on the 18 June, 1977. On the 21 September 1977, he went on his first mission to Brazil. He started his missionary work in the diocese of Londrina. After three years working in this diocese, he went to work in another diocese of Bahia and then worked for another seven years in the diocese of Mariana, state of Minas Gerais.
Whilst he was in Minais Gerais, he built homes for orphaned children coming from poor families. He gave them food, education and medicine. On 3 December 1987, he founded Missionary Movement Jesus in thy neighbour and from that day, started his work in Africa.
Apart from Malta, today, the Missionary Movement Jesus in thy neighbour has branches in USA, Italy, Gibraltar, Brazil, Ethiopia and Kenya. This year the missionary movement is celebrating it’s Silver Jubilee after 25 years from its founding.
Highlights
Ordination of Fr. George Grima at the Gozo Cathedral, on the 18th of June, 1977.
First visit back from Brazil Fr. George Grima with his parents and brother Mons. Koronato Grima. 1980
Fr. George Grima with Mother Theresa in India, 1983.
Presenting Claudio, from Baia, Brazil to his Holiness Pope John Paul II, on the 9th of December 2000.
Fr. George Grima with President of Malta, Dr. George Abela at the Presidential Palace in Valletta on 24th April 2009.
First missionary experience of Fr. George Grima in Brazil.
Fr. George Grima with a leper at Kalijat, India, 1985.
First missionary experience of Fr. George Grima in Brazil.
Fr. George Grima on his 25th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination, in the year 2002.
Mons Grima with Mrs. Leonora Semler, founder of AMREF (African Medical & Research Foundation). AMREF worked in partnership with the Missionary Movement by providing doctors to operate our children and do plastic surgeries.
Father George Grima on 5th June 2013 co-celebrated with the Pope Francis in Santa Martha Chapel in the Vatican. During the sermon of that day, the Holy Father stressed that one loves the poor not with academic words but by serving him and caring for him. Poverty can be eradicated only by getting closer to the open wounds of Jesus in the poor.
First year in Brazil in Tamarana, state of Parana
Next to Mother Theresa whilst she was delivering a message to The Vocational Group, at Verdala Hotel, Rabat.
Another visit to Mother Theresa in Calcutta, India, on the 28th of August, 1 year before her death
On the 30th year since his ordination, Fr. George Grima showing a photo of an abandoned child, asking his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to speak louder about poverty, on the 30th of May 2007.
Mons George Grima in Ethiopia with His Holiness Dr. Patriarch Abuna Paulos, late Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewakedo Chruch, Archbishop of Axum, who died in August 2012.
Mother Theresa writing a message to Fr. George Grima.
With his Holiness Pope John Paul II on his way to Ethiopia, in the year 2000.
Fr. George Grima and his secretary, Ms. Jane Galea meet the President of Malta, Dr. Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca at the Palace in Valletta on 9th December 2014.
Dona Lola, a holy woman born in Rio Pomba, Archdiocese of Mariana, Minas Gerais, in Brasil.
She lived a simple and holy life for 82 years. She was bedridden for 62 years. During this time, she never drank, ate or slept; something which is scientifically impossible for a human being. This happening had no explanation except through Divine intervention. She had a strong faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus of whom she obtained many graces. She died with a saintly fame in the surrounding villages. Fr. George Grima had the opportunity and privilege to assist her for many years.
