Henry Pace writes:

On May 21, the Lord called Dun Ġużepp (as he was known) to his fold.

The priest, who hailed from the village of San Lawrenz, truly was a man of God. For 52 years since his ordination into priesthood, Dun Ġużepp worked in the field of the Lord among people from all walks of life.

He dedicated himself to govern and guide - with the authority of Christ, not with his own - that portion of the people who God entrusted to his care. He was profoundly rooted in a living friendship with Christ.

I came to know this humble priest on board a ship from Sydney, Australia, in 1965. We were both returning to Malta where, some months before, he had been chaplain, accompanying Maltese migrants to their new country.

Since then, Dun Ġużepp became my family's greatest friend. He looked upon us with great love and he was resolute of great spirituality to us all.

He was one of the chaplains at Gozo general hospital for a good number of years, comforting patients on their sick beds. At the end of his duties, he dedicted himself to the pastoral work in his parish.

He was also seen at Ta' Pinu church administering the sacrament of reconciliation.

He truly followed Jesus Christ words: 'For the Son of man himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' (Mark 10: 45)

No one can say how many people found their inner peace by receiving spiritual advice from Dun Ġużepp. This service to the Church and the faithful only came to an end a few months ago due to ill health. People who were well acquainted with him now feel the void he left behind.

He passed away in a most serene manner surrounded by his family while he was given the last rites. Gozo Bishop Mario Grech led the concelebrated Mass at his funeral, assisted by some 70 priests and religious people.

In his homily Mgr Grech described Dun Ġużepp an 'ordinary priest' who gave so much in his priesthood.