Packed church pays last respects to PM's mother

A church bursting at the seams with politicians, ambassadors, friends and family members bade farewell to Ineż Gonzi, the Prime Minister's mother, yesterday.

Hundreds of bouquets were propped up against the altars of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Valletta, surrounding the nave and spilling onto the floor. They bore condolence notes revealing their provenance, many from major organisations and prominent individuals.

Head hung low, Dr Gonzi's gaze was fixed on an invisible spot on the church's marble floor, as he twiddled his thumbs as if to numb the pain of the moment or pinched the bridge of his nose in an attempt to fight back the emotion.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Martin Schembri OC, together with Archbishop Paul Cremona, the Apostolic Nuncio Tommaso Caputo, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca.

During the homily, Fr Scicluna paid tribute to Ms Gonzi by recalling anecdotes that triggered a fleeting smile on the face of the Prime Minister.

Fr Schembri described Mrs Gonzi as a woman who was unafraid of manifesting her strong faith and one who prayed on a daily basis. "We need people like her in our society," he said.

He also noted that although the church was packed, most of those who really knew her were not the ones sitting in the front rows, but those standing at the back.

Hovering in the doorway, behind the crowd of standing people, former Labour leader Alfred Sant was seen paying his last respects.

Speaking in Parliament in the evening, Dr Gonzi, on behalf of his family and himself, thanked all those who had expressed grief on the loss of his mother.

He said his mother, who would have hated any eulogy, was the example of the many other Maltese mothers who were so precious in guiding their families through values, their big faith and by example.

Like many other mothers, Mrs Gonzi was at peace with herself and serene because in life she did her duty towards her family. She had lived through difficult times, both during and after the war, but later had the satisfaction to see her family grow. On reflection, he said, one should appreciate people more when they were still alive.

Dr Gonzi said he was deeply touched by the messages of condolences which reached him by people in all walks of life and political spheres, even from Australia and MPs who were abroad on government business. He said this was the most satisfying aspect of the Maltese community.

He also expressed his appreciation at the kind words expressed by the House and appreciated the presence of so many dignitaries at the funeral Mass, including the President and Mrs Fenech Adami, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, the Leader of the Opposition, and members from both sides of the House. He also thanked the bishops, ambassadors and representatives of the political parties and the unions.