Prof de Marco saw value in everyone - Archbishop

Archbishop Paul Cremona said this afternoon that the grief shown since the death of Prof Guido de Marco showed the esteem with which he was held by the people, and their recognition of his achievements.

Delivering homily during the funeral Mass for Prof de Marco this afternoon, Mgr Cremona said the faithful should thank the Lord for the talents He bestowed on Prof de Marco and for the way how he had employed those talents for the nation, its people, as well as overseas.

This funeral, he said, meant a change in relationship. Prof de Marco would now longer be seen in body but he would remain present in spirit and the people's hearts.

Mgr Cremona how the people had rightly praised Prof de Marco for his politics of persuasion, saying this showed how he respected and pinned hope in everyone. This was a man who was at ease both with dignitaries and with ordinary people, because he saw value in every person.

This was a man who was strong in his faith, and this funeral was therefore a channel leading him to a new, eternal life.

The homily was followed by bidding prayers, read by Prof de Marco's grandchildren and close associates.

One of them, Angelica Camilleri de Marco, recalled how her grandfather used to tell her: "Ghamel kollox bis-serjeta', imma tiehux hollox bis-serjeta'"

Another, Federica Camilleri de Marco,said her grandfather had a strong sense of justice, but he did not judge anyone.

Prof de Marco's children Gianella, Fiorella and Mario earlier read the readings. They later also joined their mother in taking up the offerings.