Valletta (Agenzia Fides) - The television marathon conceived and produced by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Malta (Missio Malta) crosses the milestone of 7 years. HOPE #MissioFest, the name of the Maltese television marathon, kicked off in the presence of Msgr. Anton Teuma, Bishop of Gozo and Msgr. Valent Borg, National Director of Missio Malta. The main objective: to collect donations for the needs of the missions in the developing countries and in the territories where the local Churches have identified specific pastoral needs. The HOPE#MissioFest is part of a much larger communication project which also includes the television program "Ara Min mar" which introduces the public to well-known personalities and ordinary people who have experienced the mission first hand, for a more or less long period. Other television programs are also in preparation, in particular a new production in which the viewer will be able to see the projects supported by Missio Malta on the different continents, thanks to a traveler who will make a "pilgrimage" to the continents where we will be able to see the progress and changes that donations have made to assisted missions. This year, the HOPE #MissioFest was enriched with a very important festive note as the local leaders of the PMS celebrated the 90th anniversary of its creation in Malta. During the television marathon, Missio presented its projects during the last year and other upcoming projects in the near future. In addition, many Skype connections were made with overseas missionaries to allow viewers to learn about the daily challenges of missionaries. A video biography highlighting Missio Malta's work over the years was also produced for the 90th anniversary. The TV marathon, which raised over 430,000 euros in 12 hours of live coverage, was supported by local church and political organizations and personalities and for the first time three PMS national directors from Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe participated in the entire event. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 20/6/2022)