The Malta Independent on Sunday
UNHCR commemorates the work of Fr Dionysius Mintoff and the Peace Lab
The UN Refugee Agency Office in Malta has commemorated the work of Fr Dionysius Mintoff and the John XXIII Peace Laboratory for their work in helping refugees and migrants.
The Peace Lab was set up in 1971, following an appeal made by Pope John XXIII calling on the world to reflect on peace.
The site — originally part of the Hal Far airfield, which saw intensive air combat during World War II — includes a sanctuary and a number of associated buildings, and is surrounded by extensive gardens. It now serves as a sanctuary of peace and a home to many refugees and migrants. Since 2002, Peace Lab has provided shelter to refugees and migrants, along with various activities in an environment conducive to learning, inclusion and acceptance.
“UNHCR commends the commitment of Peace Lab and Fr Dionysius Mintoff in providing shelter, support and, most of all, a home to the refugees and migrants who arrived in Malta,” UNHCR Representative to Malta Kahin Ismail said.
In 2010, Fr Mintoff received the Franciscans International Inaugu- ral Award of Human Rights in Geneva. Fr Mintoff was one of the founders of Franciscans International, which has offices at the United Nations centres in New York and Geneva.
Inspired by Franciscan principles and the life and work of Pope John XXIII, Fr Mintoff launched the ‘Award for Kindness’, given to a boy or a girl who consistently — and without being prompted to —performs acts of goodness.
In 1971, he founded the John XXIII Peace Laboratory in Hal Far, named after Pope John XXIII. He never looked back and has since then striven for the Peace Lab’s success in its mission of peace education.
Fr Mintoff and Peace Lab volunteers are active in defending migrant and refugee rights in Malta. Leading by example, Fr Mintoff opened his doors to fellow men in need when he established a residential centre for refugees and migrants on Peace Lab grounds.
Fr Mintoff is today 87 years of age.