Updated: Video: Country pays last respects to Karl Chircop
People from all walks of life filled Christ the King parish church in Paola to pay their last respects to Labour MP Karl Chircop, 43, who passed away in a London hospital last Sunday after spending 10 weeks in a deep coma.
Besides his wife Adriana, Dr Chircop’s four children, his mother, his siblings and other family members, the packed congregation also included President Eddie Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Labour leader Joseph Muscat, Speaker Louis Galea, the Labour Party’s administration and national executive, MPs and officials from unions and political parties.
Mgr Victor Grech, who concelebrated Mass assisted by, among others, the parish priests of the fourth district, from where Dr Chircop used to be elected, in his homily showered praise on the late Dr Chircop.
“We prayed, we hoped, we waited patiently... but in the end we lost.”
Mgr Grech said that God had been there the past 10 weeks and would remain there “to help us through this episode and to keep close to our heart the values passed on to us by Karl”.
A man’s usefulness was not calculated by the number of years one lived but by his vision of life and by how much love, dedication and commitment he placed in the mission he was trusted with.
Mgr Grech said that for 19 years of his life Karl was a doctor and for 12 of them he was also an MP. He was a good Christian model, serving the people in line with the motto he had chosen at the beginning of his career Dejjem Hemm Għalik (Always there for you).
He respected his family, was an inseparable partner to his wife Adriana and a good father.
At the end of his life he donated his organs, giving three persons a new life.
Karl, Mgr Grech said, loved life, sports and music. He appreciated friendship, was genuine and sincerely loved the poor and the weak. “He had a big sense of social justice.”
As the coffin was being carried out of the church by Dr Chircop's friends at the end of Mass, the congregation clapped respectfully.
The funeral cortege left Mater Dei Hospital just before 9 a.m. this morning stopping in front of the Labour Party’s headquarters in Ħamrun where the Labour Party paid Dr Chircop its last respects as Winter Moods, led by singer Ivan Grech played the song Marigolds.
An emotional Labour leader placed flowers on Dr Chircop’s coffin and hugged Dr Chircop’s wife Adriana.
A minute’s silence was then observed by the people gathered at the headquarters after which Labour leader Joseph Muscat thanked Dr Chircop simply saying Grazzi Karl (thank you Karl) to the applause of those present.
An avid Liverpool supperter, Dr Chircop had been an MP since 1996. His corpse arrived in Malta three days after the machines that were keeping him alive, following a cerebral haemorrhage on August 3, were switched off, his organs were donated and the paperwork to bring him back was completed.
Mass was followed by private burial at the Addolorata Cemetery.
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Frederick Wickman
Oct 20th 2008, 18:01
Dear Karl, We miss you a lot. We never going to forget all you have done with us especially with me and my wife. Thank you for everything and may God help your family in all the support and comfort they need in this hard time.
Till we meet again.
Freddie and Mary
Rita D'Alfonso
Oct 20th 2008, 13:32
May the sympathy of those who care comfort you during this time of sorrow. To Dear Mrs Chirchop and All The Family. RIP Dear Karl. I am sure that you are still on the look out for us.
Margaret Camilleri
Oct 20th 2008, 11:21
Dear Karl. The people from all walks of our society shows what a repectful person you were. This is the way you are going to be forever whenever you name is mentioned. I convey to Adriana now that God will give all the courage and strenght she needs to keep giving the best to her family. Solidarity to her, her children and all the rest of the family. God gives Karl eternal rest and bless his family.
Raymond buhagiar
Oct 20th 2008, 10:05
Thank you Karl for your kindnes we will never forget you lost a true friend
Family Buhagiar
Frances Mifsud
Oct 20th 2008, 08:36
Dear Karl,
You were a true gentleman. An honest and caring doctor and friend. We shall never forget your gentle smile and all the extra miles you went to help us all whenever in need. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Till we meet again, you will remain in our hearts and prayers.
Family Mifsud - Fgura
Edward Pavia
Oct 20th 2008, 01:39
Karl, when you were a child and I frequently used to hold your hand to walk you across the road at Paola square, little did I know that one day, so many people would fill that same square to say goodbye to you at your funeral. The little boy I knew from the day after he was born, grew up to achieve a great deal. I am not surprised that so many people turned up to give you a great send-off. Your untimely death has touched so many people. So many plaudits have been written about you and messages of sympathy sent to your family. All very richly deserved. You led a very exemplary life. You were very down to earth, never forgot your roots and chose to enter politics to champion just causes. It is such a shame that your life has ended so abruptly: You had so much more to give and those you served so well, had so much more to gain. I salute you dear Cousin, your memory will live in my heart forever.
Dr. Noel Calleja
Oct 19th 2008, 22:23
Dear Karl, You're in our thoughts. Please know how much you are loved and how deeply your loss is felt by all.
deb bugeja
Oct 19th 2008, 08:19
Karl
although I do not know you personally, may you be a very good example of a family man, politician and a dedicated doctor to all other people of how one should live his life.
RIP Karl
Alan Tonna
Oct 19th 2008, 00:52
Karl, you were an exemplary MP, doctor, citizen, and family man. May your humility inspire others. Knowing you was indeed a privilege.
Rest in peace.
Ruben Abela
Oct 18th 2008, 22:38
Thank you Karl for what you did when you were with us and a much bigger thank you for what you left behind you.
All the politicians and people in profession have a lot to learn from the general public reaction of great respect which you were shown during your illness and after your death.
Politicians and people in profession who respect their costituents and clients will be shown mutual respect. Malta needs more poiticians and people in profession with a strong character and belief as Karl.
I'm sure that this has left a great imprint on the rest of his family who he left behind him and this shall fill them with courage for the future.
Gordon Dalli
Oct 18th 2008, 21:04
Karl, my family doctor, my candidate, above all my friend. You were there for us. You always remained close to the people and that is why today the people in Paola gave you such a farewell. Now everyone knows about your qualities. A good father and husband, a loyal friend to many, a dedicated doctor and an exemplary politician. We really need more people like you. Last March we all worked together during the election. Last March also, as you do every year, you carried the statue of The Burial of Our Lord, on Good Friday around the streets of Paola. Today we had to carry you out for the last time from Christ the King Church. Karl we will miss your presence, we will miss your help, we will miss your charisma. But yes you will always be in our toughts and in our hearts for ever. Karl pray for us and take care of your wife and children. Gordon
Abela Stephen
Oct 18th 2008, 20:49
Even if today was a very sad day for us , everyone appreciated the huge crowd that attended and showed their respect to Karl . He was one of us and all of us attended the funeral to show respect !
Vanessa Muscat
Oct 18th 2008, 19:46
Dear Karl, may you rest in peace.
Thank you for always being there for us. You were such a great person and a wonderful doctor, you will be missed. You will always be in our thoughts.
Our prayers are with the Chircop family.
Dusty William
Oct 18th 2008, 19:34
Very pleased that your beloved Liverpool won for you today. We will miss you Carl.
Malta lost a true gentleman, prosit u grazzi ta kollox habib. West Brom supporter.
You'll never walk alone.
Joseph Abela
Oct 18th 2008, 19:20
Dear Karl,
I was with you when we both got elected for the first time in parliament in 1996. It never crossed my mind that i will be present for your funeral. But after all it was less of a funeral and more of a celebration of life. The life of a man who loved his family, his people and his country. An examplary life for all of us. I did not always agree with you but i always admired your altruism, and your optimism. These qualities were expressed in your smile. You always had a smile for someone any time and now you' re smiling in heaven.
Jeffrey Zammit
Oct 18th 2008, 18:12
I lost a friend, a lost a family doctor ... you're still with us. Pray for us. I am a Man Utd fan but today I felt happy that Liverpool won against Wigan. This win is for you.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 18th 2008, 18:03
The video is so moving!! The many people paying their last respect is witness enough of what a great man Dr. Karl Chircop was.
My condolences go to his widow, children and all the family. May God give you all the support and courage to move on. Mrs. Chircop, I am sure that your husband will be there to help you raise up your children - living memories of the love you shared. My prayers will be with you.
J. Mifsud
Oct 18th 2008, 17:33
Malta has lost an exemplary son and a role model politician. His family has lost an honest and loved son, husband and father.
In these moments of sorrow, there are not enough words to console the family of the late Dr Karl Chircop, but later on in life,his mother, wife and children will definitely find comfort and pride , knowing that Karl, in his short life on earth, gave so much to his family and to the nation. He was greatly loved. His charisma is not found in many people.
I send my sincere condolences to his family. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
saviour cachia
Oct 18th 2008, 16:54
Karl, it was a very solemn promise expressed by the slogan which hanged on two prominent places; the Cenru Nazzjonali Laburista,Hamrun, and the Centru Laburista Rahal Gdid. It said; Karl you will stay in our hearts forever. Undoubtedly, it would be a waste if your examplary behaviour regarding your family live, as a doctor and a politician will be ever forgotten. Karl, Malta needs a lot of you. No, it would never be 'more of the same', because you distinguished yourself as evidently shown by the very moving last farewell which we could witnessed today.
Karl, incidentally me and my wife the last time we saw you was the eve you entered in a coma. We saw you walking with Uncle Vincent (Dr. Censu Moran) and your dear mother on the Marsascala front on your way to returning home. Those will be vivid memories for me.. I had seen you many a times at ic-Centru Nazzjonali Laburista, during Parliamentary sessions, where I had many occasions to report your well articulated by moderate speeches and proofed ready many of your opinions carried in the party's paper.
Karl, a charmful character like yours is hard to forget. RIP. Yes' se tibqa f'qalbna'.
Joseph Zammit
Oct 18th 2008, 16:53
Dear Karl I never knew you but I admired you in the way you did politics, you were a real gentleman, and I knew it was in you to help people. May God bless your wife and your children and that they will be comforted, what I am sure is that they Will Never Walk Alone your spirit will always be there with them. RIP Karl you were a great man and all Malta should be proud of you, you will be missed by all of us, I am sure that you are near God, the place that rewards you for a great life, may all the people live the way you lived.
You will always be in our hearts and in our prayers.
May God bless your soul now that you will walk always with God.
J. Tonna
Oct 18th 2008, 16:51
In his homily Mgr Victor Grech said that we lost Karl, but he won – he won a better life, which he deserved.
I went to Christ the King church with the hope of finding a place to hear and see everything but found it full up, with many people standing, so I returned home and watched it on TV.
I noticed that Mgr Victor Grech was reading his homily. As, due to my hearing difficulty I missed some of his words, does anyone know if it is available online or somewhere else?
Mr Carbonaro you quoted a saying that ‘Great people do not die but just fade away’, may I add ‘they fade away very slowly’.
Another good quotation I read here was that ‘He did not depart but went to the next room’.
Till we meet again.
Philip Paris
Oct 18th 2008, 16:43
How emotional to see the great turn out and the great weather in this video to pay respects for a good person.
SIMON AMATO
Oct 18th 2008, 16:39
DEAR KARL TODAY WE SALUTE YOU FOR THE LAST TIME. YOU HAD A GREAT FUNERAL. YOU REUNITE THE MALTESE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND ALL THE MALTESE CITIZENS. MGR VICTOR GRECH CELEBRATED A VERY NICE MASS AND HIS WORDS WERE OF BIG PRAISE TO YOU. YOU WERE BELOVED BY MANY AND YOURE IN OUR HEARTS FOR EVER. GOD WELCOME KARL IN HIS HOUSE..IN HEAVEN. R.I.P KARL WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. FAMILY AMATO. PAOLA
Francis Farrugia
Oct 18th 2008, 14:59
No Dr. Karl Chircop is not dead; we consider death as the end while it is the real beginning. He helped people in his life time when he could only apply his talents. Now he has the power to implore God the Almighty directly, roaming the country pointing at those in need and protecting his family. He does not need our prayers we need his intercession. I do not say “May he rest in peace” but “may he continue to be active in heaven”to help and protect God’s way, his family and friends
Yes his family lost him but he didn’t.
Hildbrand Bianco
Oct 18th 2008, 14:58
Mahbub Karl, mort f post hafna ahjar minn fejn qedin ahna. Itlob ghalina. Nitlob ghal familja tant sabiha li bnejt inti u martek. Kbir Mulej sabbar lil mara , tfal u qraba minn din it telfa. Kont mahbub wisq.
Charles Micallef
Oct 18th 2008, 14:51
Good night Karl,
Sleep well!
C.Catania
Oct 18th 2008, 14:36
seeing today's funeral on tv made me realize how loved you were Karl! you will be dearly missed and always remembered in our hearts and thoughts. Thank you for all you've done to our country. May you rest in peace in a better place called heaven where you're welcomed by the Lord. God Bless his precious family. Arrivederci Karl.. until we meet again!
Elizabeth Grech
Oct 18th 2008, 14:27
Karl
We will love you for ever you were a very nice person,You are with God now,so Dear Karl we will remember you in our prayers always. Condolences to all his family,YOU'II NEVER WALK ALONE.
Elizabeth
Chris Borg
Oct 18th 2008, 14:10
Karl, you will never die in our memory.
Michael Andrews
Oct 18th 2008, 13:42
WOW!!!
Thats all i can say.
Having not known Karl or ever meeting him,just by watching the video and all the postings made about him,it is clear this man is loved and held in high regard.
I send my condolences to his family at this sad time in their lives and if it's any consolation to them at all, all they have to do is look at the thousands of people who were at his funeral and listen to all the comments said about Karl and realize they were lucky enough to have such a wonderful person in their lives.
You'll Never Walk Alone Karl.
Joseph Micallef
Oct 18th 2008, 13:30
KARL,
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE!!
Adrian Grech
Oct 18th 2008, 13:29
Dear Karl you will never walk alone as you will live in our hearts and minds.I lost a best friend and Family doctor I will never forget you Karl GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU LOOK UP ON US FROM UP THERE MY FRIEND.GOOD BYE FOR NOW WE WILL MEET WHEN MY TIME COME TOO.
My condolences to Adriana and family.We will be there for you too as Karl was there for us always.
Roberto Debrincat
Oct 18th 2008, 13:22
My dearest friend, may you rest in peace and rest assured you'll never walk alone. Hope you will guide us through our our lives so that we will continue what you did till 2 months ago.
Roberto
Charlene Taylor
Oct 18th 2008, 13:19
With deepest sympathy to Karl and his family and friends. May you rest in peace.
M. Storace
Oct 18th 2008, 13:17
Have just watched your funeral cortege which although very heartbreaking yet a spectacular event especially the time when your dear children saluted you for the very last time.
Your political beliefs which you instilled in thousands and thousand of others will always be treasured by the vast public who wanted to pay its last respect to such an affable and generous gentleman.
You were such a dedicated family man, a person of great honour and integrity, a person who went out of his way to help others in need in your professional career .
It goes to show how your integrity, charisma, very hard work, both medically and politically, reaped their fruits to the very end when people from all walks of life paid their last respects, even the highest echeleons who did not share your political beliefs.
You were much loved, especially by your family, friends and foe alike, in life and surely you will not be forgotten in death.
May the good Lord grant you eternal rest and comfort your lovely family in these very difficult and sad times. A special admiration goes to your eldest son, Jan, who was a pillar of strength.
Paul A Attard
Oct 18th 2008, 13:09
Il-Poeta Karmenu Vassallo kiteb: Qatt ma jintesa min habb bil-bosta u halla qalbu tixghel warajh.
Chris Grillo
Oct 18th 2008, 13:01
From early morning one could tell that the day would be one of mourning, sympathy and sadness. A beloved husband, father, doctor, politician and of course a genuine friend to untold hundreds of people would be laid at rest. The sad scurrying of the many people making their way to Paola was enough to fill one's heart with sadness for this loss, but also hope for a new beginning.
The dignified mass was closed by a most beautiful rendering of Karl's final walk...no, definitely not alone, but in the shadow of God...
Go in peace...surrounded in death, as in life, by all those dear to you....
Christian Manicaro
Oct 18th 2008, 12:46
A great funeral for a great person who has done a lot for our country. My condolences to his wife Adriana, to his four children and to close relative.
THANKS CARL FOR ALL YOU DID WITH US MAY YOU REST IN PIECE
L.Cachia
Oct 18th 2008, 12:13
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and in karl's case his eyes reflected kindness, love and an altruistic streak that was so very well known to his patients. I am not a labour supporter but I can judge when a person is genuine in his beliefs and Karl was genuine. He upheld his beliefs without hurting his political opponents. That is why Paola square witnessed a sea of mourners today.
Maria Muscat
Oct 18th 2008, 12:13
Karl was in love with Social Justice, family values and true love.
It's so obvious to see all these rich values in his lovely wife and kids.
Karl was always very positive, in any circumstance, so be encouraged, as God is the only God and let no human being distract you from living life to the full.
GOD BLESS.
John Borg
Oct 18th 2008, 11:54
Dear Karl,
"You'll never walk alone"
Michael Haber
Oct 18th 2008, 11:51
Let's love one another like he loved us
until it's too late
thank you Karl for teaching us all how beautiful it is to be human.
s.bugeja
Oct 18th 2008, 11:36
Let us do karl one last favour and keep the scenes we saw in Paola today in our memory for when we are tempted to go at each other's throat over such fickle things as politics. Scenes like these bring back the truth that we are all Maltese no mater our political leanings and that ultimately we ae all dead men.
apgrech
Oct 18th 2008, 10:07
I never met Karl Chircop but saw him a few times on TV and his face was a mirror of his soul. Reading so many sincere positive comments about him one can realize that Malta lost a good person, good politician and his family lost a gem.
It's very sad to see him going at such a young age.
My condolences to Adriana, the family and to his close friends.
May he rest in the peace he deserves.
effie carbonaro
Oct 18th 2008, 09:36
qoute;
GREAT PEOPLE DONT DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY