People's statesman laid to rest

Malta yesterday mourned the loss of a leader, a mentor and “nonno Guido”, as the body of former President de Marco was laid to rest.

His united family put up a brave and composed front throughout the funeral Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, which was brimming with people whose lives he had touched in some way.

In their bidding prayers, his grandchildren and nieces captured the essence of Prof. de Marco and everything he stood for: optimism, justice, wisdom, strength, guidance and sensitivity.

His eldest grandson Joe recalled “nonno Guido’s” words in hard times, after he returned home from hospital before dying last Thursday: “Keep smiling, my first one.”

Gianluca highlighted his grandfather’s sense of correctness and the values he imparted to his close-knit family, as well as his sense of humour.

His “privileged” granddaughter Anjelica recalled the advice of her encouraging university professor: “Do things seriously, but do not take everything seriously.”

Her brother, Matias, highlighted Prof. de Marco’s sense of justice and the fact that he never judged anyone, while his youngest grandchild, Federica, described him as her “light in darkness” and her “sunshine in the rain”.

She hoped her grandfather, her “guardian angel”, would help her cope with his loss and watch over her grandmother, Violet, Prof. de Marco’s beloved widow, who retained her composure in the face of grief throughout the Mass.

Spontaneous and loud applause broke out as the coffin, draped in a Maltese flag, was marched into the cathedral, and again as it was carried out. The angelic voices of the choir resounded as Prof. de Marco’s son, Mario, who has followed in his political footsteps, saluted his father emotionally, blowing three kisses to his coffin on his way out.

Fortitude, feeling and eloquence, important characteristics of the family man, who led the country through thick and thin, were witnessed in the readings chosen by Dr de Marco and his sisters, Giannella and Fiorella.

Their trademark soft but sturdy voices continued to amplify their father’s message of positivity that was also relayed by Archbishop Paul Cremona in his homily.

Dr de Marco’s reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Romans highlighted the phrase: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Prof. de Marco’s state funeral marked the end of a chapter in Malta’s history. The legacy of a man who helped design it, however, would live on – a thought that was also conveyed by Mgr Cremona, who said his demise was just a passage to a new life that he had chosen to live as a convinced Christian.

Prof. de Marco had managed to use his “gift from God” for the good of many, Malta and other countries, he said.

The funeral meant a change in relationship with him – and not the end of it. It marked the start of a relationship through faith and the spirit, Mgr Cremona said to console the mourners.

If life was so beautiful for Prof. de Marco, imagine what was awaiting him, he said of the man who continued to express his love for living until just before he passed away at his home in Sliema, aged 79, after briefly recovering from a critical health condition.

The way he treated everyone, focusing on the intrinsic values of each individual, was a sign of hope in others, Mgr Cremona said.

He also read out a message of condolence from Pope Benedict XVI, who recalled Prof. de Marco’s “significant contribution not only to the domestic affairs of the Maltese nation... but also to the life of the international community”.

Describing him as a “fine statesman”, the Pontiff said many, who serve in public office, “will draw inspiration from his example”.

Joined in their bereavement by President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, the judiciary, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, ministers and MPs, representatives of the political parties, and other dignitaries, the family expressed their deep gratitude for everyone’s support, and particularly the presence of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister, who attended the funeral during Ramadan.

They also thanked the press for the professional and respectful manner in which they carried out their duty.

In a statement yesterday, the family said the public’s outburst of respect and love helped them through this difficult time.

“We are united in our loss with our greater family, the people who loved and respected him so dearly. The sentiments expressed over the past few days have underlined his unstinting love for this country.

“So much was written to prove that for him politics was the means to one end: improving the life of people. Many of those who knew him through his legal practice, or as a university professor, wrote about his love for the law, which he believed made us free. He loved life and, therefore, wanted every minute of it to have a purpose. But above all, he loved the people.

“Even after his death, we are sure he will remain, as he always wanted to be, close to those he loved – close to all of us,” they said.

Outside St John’s Co-Cathedral, members of the public, who braved the afternoon heat, clapped, captured the moment on film and cheered “Guido, Guido!” to the sound of the clanging bells and the army’s band.