Lawrence Spiteri, St Ġorġ Preca's doctor, died yesterday aged 86 at the Charion Residence in Marsascala.

Sensing an unusual aura around the priest, Dr Spiteri had decided to retain a phial of blood during a medical examination.

During the canonisation of St Ġorġ Preca at the Vatican, Dr Spiteri explained in an emotional manner that he had kept the blood because he was sure Dun Ġorġ was a saint.

"But I never dreamt I would assist in his canonisation," he said. In fact, he was delighted to be present and enthused that it was the happiest moment of his life. Dr Spiteri donated a smaller tube of the saint's blood to St Cajetan parish church, in Ħamrun, and another to MUSEUM, the Christian doctrine society Dun Ġorġ had founded. Dr Spiteri retained the third.

He had also retained a phial of blood belonging to Eugenio Borg, the first MUSEUM Superior General, also remembered for his holiness. So much so, that the Archdiocese of Malta and the Diocese of Gozo have issued an official decree initiating the process for Mr Borg's beatification cause. Dr Spiteri was married to the late Mary Marsh and had four children, Mario, Joseph, Marthese and Lauranne. His elder son, Mario, explained that Dr Spiteri received the last rites last week and was a content man before he died. His children stood by him as he took his last breath.

His funeral will be held this afternoon, leaving Mater Dei Hospital at 2 p.m. Mass praesente cadavere will be said at St Cajetan parish church. Interment will follow at Santa Marija Addolorata Cemetery.