A call for silence was made this afternoon at the funeral of Nicholas Gera, one of the victims in a double homicide on New Year's Day.

A packed congregation at St Gregory Church in Sliema attended the funeral Mass of Nicholas Gera, 26, who died from stab wounds along with Duncan Zammit, 32, in the latter's apartment.

Fr Savio Vella, who led the funeral Mass, said in his homily that in the reality of such a situation, silence was more eloquent.

"We all need silence, more so today, but such a precious need is being robbed by insatiable curiosity and uncontrolled speculation.

"We all need time to heal. We are overwhelmed by the many unanswered questions about the death of two young men who died in the prime of their lives. This is a difficult moment for all especially the families."

Fr Vella mentioned the other victim twice, in this context, one time by name.

He also spoke about Mr Gera's background, describing how Mr Gera, who was adopted from Bosnia when he was 11, had experienced the ravages of war, the loneliness of racial discrimination and the 'inner death' caused by the hatred of countrymen against countrymen.

However, Mr Gera had also experienced the love of his mother Tanya, who knew when to reach out.

He described Mrs Gera as "a shining witness of God's love towards us".

The funeral of father-of-twins Duncan Zammit will be held on Saturday.