Death of a 'great poet'

The founder of the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin, Mgr Amante Buontempo, died on Monday, the association said.

Mgr Buontempo founded the association in December 1975 and remained at its helm for 25 years, when he resigned because of his failing health. He remained the association's first honorary president for life.

The 83-year-old was described by the association as one of the country's "greatest contemporary poets" and was awarded various recognitions both in Malta and abroad. Mgr Buontempo wrote poetry in Maltese, English and Italian and his poems are included in anthologies published around the globe.

"A staunch believer, a devout and loyal priest and a man of character, he used his poetic talent to convey peace, truth and spiritual serenity to all men of good will," the association said.

While mourning his loss, the association paid tribute to him as a great contemporary poet and said that while the poet dies, his verses live forever.