Video: Final farewell to Inez Gonzi
The country united in a sad farewell this morning to Inez Gonzi, the Prime Minister's mother, who died suddenly on Sunday-Monday night.
President Eddie Fenech Adami led a large congregation which packed the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mr Carmel in Valletta, a church which the main celebrant, Fr Martin Schembri OC, described as Mrs Gonzi's second home.
The Prime Minister and his brother and sisters stood alongside their father Gigi.
Some 60 concelebrants joined in the funeral mass, with Archbishop Paul Cremona, the Apostolic Nuncio, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca standing on the altar.
The congregation, which spilled from the huge church onto the street, included the Chief Justice, the Speaker, ministers, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, former Opposition leader Alfred Sant and members of the administrations of all political parties, former Presidents and members of the diplomatic corps.
Fr Martin paid tribute to Mrs Gonzi for the values she upheld throughout her life and said that up to last Friday she led a 90-minute adoration in that same church.
She lived by the motto that one had to live without arrogance and pretensions and by the Carmelite rule, finding strength in prayer.
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Vince Piscopo
Sep 21st 2011, 06:35
Deepest condolences to Prime Minister Gonzi and his family in such a difficult moment. May the Lord grant Mrs Gonzi eternal rest.
Vince Piscopo (Marsascala).
Jesmond Mugliett
Nov 26th 2008, 12:56
Deepest condolences to the Hon Prime Minister and all his family in this difficult moment. The loss of a mother and of a Grandma is a major loss. However knowing she is a better place than we are, being awarded for her life gives us courage to go on. May she rest in peace and we remember her in our prayers.
J.Mugliett
Marsascala
Daniel Russell
Nov 26th 2008, 11:33
Rest in Peace Mrs Gonzi. Although I never knew you or your family, I am sure you will be sorely missed as a mother and grandmother to them all. My deepest condolences to you Prime Minister and your family at this very sad time. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you RIP - The Russell Family of Halesowen, United Kingdom
Shirley Sammut
Nov 26th 2008, 10:27
May God be with all the Gonzi family at this time of loss & fill them with strength to get through this difficult period in their lives
"Jesus said, 'I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.' " (John 11:25-26)
catherine caruana
Nov 26th 2008, 06:22
Our sincere condolences to all the family.The Caruana and Abela family.
Fr. Albert Felice-Pace, O.P.
Nov 26th 2008, 06:10
My prayers at with Gonzi Family in this time of grief. My God be your strength. Blessings on all the family. May your mother rest in the peace of Christ.
Ivan Pirotta
Nov 25th 2008, 19:09
Sincere condolences to all the family. May God grant her eternal rest.
David Bongailas
Nov 25th 2008, 19:04
With sympathy and prayers in your time of sorrow, may God's grace console you and give you peace
David Bongailas & family
Deborah & Carmel Schembri
Nov 25th 2008, 15:31
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to our family doctor Dr Michael Gonzi and family. Wishing you comfort and peace in this difficult time.
To every thing there is a season.....and a time to every purpose under heaven.
Deborah & Carmel Schembri
Manikata
25th November 2008
C.Sapiano
Nov 25th 2008, 14:47
Condolences to all the Gonzi family.
N.Brown
Nov 25th 2008, 13:15
Sincere condolences to all the family. May God grant her eternal rest.
Lawrence Attard Bezzina
Nov 25th 2008, 13:13
WIth sincere solidarity with the Prime Minister and the Gonzi families on this sad occasion. Dr Lawrence Gonzi showed his simplicity and humanity a few days ago with my family when we lost our dear mother, who was it to tell us that he had to pass through this ordeal just days afterwards. A gesture we shall always remember and cherish. May you always remember the many moments of love and cheer you spent with your dear departed Mother as it will ease the heart.
Lawrence Attard Bezzina & Family
Alfred Grech
Nov 25th 2008, 13:04
"One day, our tears will wash away the sorrow,
but time will never wash away our dear memories.
For even death has no control over the boundaries of love."
Requiescat in pace!
Dr. Noel Calleja
Nov 25th 2008, 12:36
The moment of truth....A country united to bid farewell. May God be with you in this difficult moment.