Update 3: Fr Peter Serracino Inglott passes away
Peter Serracino Inglott, priest, philosopher and former University Rector and consultant to then Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami has died aged 75.
His funeral is next Friday. The funeral cortege will leave Mater Dei Hospital at 9.30 a.m. for the university campus where the academic world and students will bid farewell. It will proceed to the Jesuits Church in Merchants Street, Valletta where he will lie in state until 2 p.m.
The cortege will then leave for St Paul’s Parish Church in St Paul’s Street, Valletta, where Mass praesente cadaver will be said at 2.15 p.m.
Fr Peter was receiving treatment at Mater Dei Hospital.
Unkempt and forgetful, yet a visionary with a huge intellect, Fr Peter was rector of the University between 1987 and 1988 and from 1991 to 1996.
He studied in Malta and the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, as well as the Institut Catholique de Paris and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
He was head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Malta between 1971 and 1996 and was one of the Maltese representatives at the Convention on the Future of Europe presided by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.
He was Dr Fenech Adami's main speech writer having started to advise him after the Church-Labour government dispute of the 1980s.
Fr Joe Borg, one of his friends, remembered him as a walking encyclopaedia who was also prone to forget simple everyday things, such as where he parked his car. He also recalled how he used to live a simple life in a small house in Tarxien, where he filed his papers in empty detergent boxes.
As rector, Fr Peter piloted the University to rapid expansion in student numbers, facilities and courses - even moving house to a small dilapidated farm on campus to always be on call. He spent his last years at Dar tal-Kleru in Birkirkara.
Fr Serracino Inglott was ordained priest in Milan by Cardinal Montini, later Pope Paul VI.
PRESIDENT’S TRIBUTE
President George Abela said Fr Peter’s loss will be felt not just in the academic world but in the whole country and abroad, where he enjoyed immense respect. He was loved by his academic colleagues and all students and gave the country useful contribution in many sectors.
Dr Abela said he had known Fr Peter for a long time and admired his wisdom and free mind, which could understand any situation and form an opinion. He also admired his original thoughts and his culture.
At the same time, as a true wise man, he was not conceited and was always ready to speak to anyone without distinction. He was a priest and a man who could see good in everyone and had the utmost respect for humanity.
He was always eager to help and was recently very enthusiastic about the President’s Forum on Constitutional Reforms, to be held next month, and which he had accepted to take part in.
PRIME MINISTER'S TRIBUTE
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi described Fr Peter as one of the country's main thinkers who had given a lot to the country through his ideas and work.
Through his studies and work he contirbuted through the educational, social and cultural development of the country.
He was capable of gathering ideas, translating them into initiatives which made a positive difference to people's lives.
As university rector he implemented a policy for university to be open to all those who wanted to continue their education.
OPPOSITION LEADER's TRIBUTE
Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said Prof. Serracino Inglott was a main protagonist in the country's intellectual life for nearly half a century.
Although of different political beliefs, Dr Muscat said he held Prof. Serracino Inglott in high esteem as a man, a scholar, a priest and a Maltese who loved his country.
In spite of the different political beliefs, he said, he shared with Prof. Serracino Infloss a common ground for a fairer, more tolerant and more open society.
Culture Minister Mario de Marco and the Nationalist Party also expressed condolences.
Read The Sunday Times' interview with Fr Peter on July 11, 2010 at
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100711/interview/the-splits-on-divorce.317255
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Alfred Curmi
Mar 17th 2012, 21:08
Yes, first and foremost he answered God's calling and became a True Priest in the very sence of the calling.
He was a great philosopher, intellectual, etc. but as President George Abela said, he was always ready to speak to anyone - without distinction and giving totally himself to such person.....
May his meeting with his Dear God inspire and encourage any priest to revisit his sacred calling to help him to become a true priest thus imitating Fr. Peter for the good of the flock the Lord entrusts to all priests.
My sincere condolence to all his family which was so dear to Fr. Peter.
Kevin Vella
Mar 17th 2012, 14:28
I like the tribute of President George Abela so much especially when stating that Fr Peter was always ready to speak to anyone without distinction. He was a priest and a man who could see good in everyone and had the utmost respect for humanity.
Caesar Attard
Mar 17th 2012, 08:46
"If now we all consent to bite the dust / as the artist proclaims quiescence of strife / will light sidle out of the earth's crust /and will it be April for the tree of life?" Peter Serracino Inglott, commentary in Life and Passion.
Joe Fenech
Mar 17th 2012, 08:45
Condoliances to the political priest.
Joe Fenech
Mar 17th 2012, 08:44
I'm sure he'll be very happy to be in the blue sky enjoying eternal piece.
Francis J. Vassallo
Mar 17th 2012, 06:36
Exactly one year ago, I heard him deliver the best sermon I had ever heard explaining the "Sermon on the Mount -the eight Beatitudes". He was just brilliant, lucid and incredible insight. He thought me philosophy 46 years ago. A great thinker and a good good priest. May he rest in peace.
Elizabeth-Anne Stewart
Mar 17th 2012, 01:47
Fr. Peter was dissertation advisor for my Ph.D. thesis, Jesus the Holy Fool (Sheed & Ward, 1999); he was not only a brilliant guide on the topic of Holy Foolishness in all its literary and scriptural manifestations, but he demonstrated in his own life that God's wisdom and the world's wisdom share little in common. Tutorials lasted as long as six hours -- and were delightfully funny, thought-provoking and creative. There will be merrymaking in heaven, but Earth will be the colder for his passing.... Caper on, Fr. Peter!
Elizabeth-Anne Stewart
Clemente Zammit
Mar 17th 2012, 01:31
Rest in peace, learned friend,
Clemente Zammit
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Gervais M. Cishahayo
Mar 16th 2012, 23:35
Father Peter was not only a symbol for Malta where he will be mostly remembered for his contribution as rector of the University for many years. He is held in esteem as he also happened to have contributed to the setting up of an arts school in the tiny city of Giheta in my native province of Gitega in Burundi, East Africa! His little modest farm house home was decorated by articrafts from my country of origin! He was a priest with a distinct intellectual dimension.
Dr Herbert Messina-Ferrante
Mar 16th 2012, 23:15
FR Peter ,President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami,H E Emeritus Chief Justice Dott Jojo Mifsuid
Bonnici Dr Vanni Bonello & others all come to mind and whom i consider great men . WE were all at university together .
I cannot add much to what has already been commented about Fr Peter .All those who knew him will certainly cherish his memory with respect
May the Good Lord grant him eternal peace and the glory he deserves
To his family may i quote St Bonaventure's words of consolation to his brethen in the convent, on his death
bed :" Do not be afflicted! In Heaven, i love you and pray for you, as i did on earth"
Words of comfort that should bring solace and reassurance in our faith .
HERBERT . V . MESSINA-FERRANTE
Albert Pace
Mar 16th 2012, 22:52
A great person who excelled in all fields. Particularly I would like to single out his contribution in the cultural field, where his knowledge was as profound as the artists themselves. But most of all I admire his humility and charity. I was deeply touched when I came to know with what love he cared for his mother in her final years, almost sacrificing his own academic career. But what struck me most about him was that he preferred to be called "Fr. Peter" by everyone. This showed his humility, but also that he believed he was a priest first and foremost.
Michael Bonnici
Mar 16th 2012, 18:57
I came to know Fr. Peter way back in 1968 when an international congress for youths was held in Rome.
We travelled together and shared the same room. Fr. Peter delivered a keynote speech while I represented the Youth Section of the Cathlic Action in Malta. We remained friends since then. His soft spoken words of what he deeply believed, made his listeners reflect what a great learner he was.
He had the ability to speak profoundly about any subject not least on the Arts.
May his speeches and writings be preserved for the knowledge of future generations.
Michael Bonnici
Joseph Grech Attard
Mar 16th 2012, 18:42
May he rest in peace with the world's leading philosophers. A man dedicated only to academic work and to teach right from wrong, most of the time with personal sacrifices! As all great men, never did he think of personal glory. No eulogy can describe him. What saddens me is that certain persons, who boast of being ex-pupils, do not follow his example but speak and act completely the opposite. Enjoy your eternal life, Fr. Peter!
TONY FORMOSA
Mar 16th 2012, 18:30
* What a sad loss for Malta. Rest in peace Fr.Peter. A prayer is solicited.
TONY FORMOSA
Michael Grech
Mar 16th 2012, 18:11
Rest in Peace
Joseph Borg
Mar 16th 2012, 18:09
Kien wiehed kuraguz u ma kienx jibza minn hadd. Sahansitra kien issorprendini meta fuq l-istazzjon tat Tv waqt intervista ma bezax juri il fehma tieghu u is support li kellhu ghat tarznari. Kien l-unku wiehed li qal li kien zball kbir li l-gvern nazzjonalista ghalaq it tarznari.
J'Alla jtik il mistrieh ta dejjem.
Kondoljanzi lill familja tieghu
david debattista
Mar 16th 2012, 18:02
Rest In Peace .
Mr l. theuma
Mar 16th 2012, 17:52
He was the greatest thinker I ever met.
My Condolences go to his family.
May God give him eternal rest.
David Polidano
Mar 16th 2012, 17:27
One in a million. Sure he's clowning around in Heaven, fulfilling his lifelong dreams. We will miss him. My condolences to all his family.
Stephen Frendo
Mar 16th 2012, 17:22
R.I.P.
Gorg Mallia
Mar 16th 2012, 17:13
His contribution to the intellectual development of the Maltese Islands was immeasurable. His deep intellect and searching mind contributed to so many areas that they are impossible to list. And above all he was a humble man who looked for greatness in others and appreciated it. A good man, who is now lost to us, and we are all losers because of it, but honoured to have known and to have respected him.
Indrì Zammit
Mar 16th 2012, 16:58
Malta has lost another child. An unparalleled man.
Charles Caruana Carabez
Mar 16th 2012, 16:35
Malta has lost another of its great men. Fr Peter was instrumental in setting up the Junior College, and I feel, in a way, that the College is his legacy. I count myself lucky to have known him and President Tabone well, not because of their prestigious status, but because they set such high standards, yet were so human, approachable and wise. God Speed them both.
Anthony Schembri adami
Mar 16th 2012, 16:32
As an old acqaintance may I repeat with Ben Jonson refering to Shakespeare,that Fr.Peter was not of an
age,but for all time!
Mr Carmel Curmi
Mar 16th 2012, 16:32
ANOTHER MALTESE PRIEST WHO LEFT HIS MARK FOREVER ON OUR NATION. R.I.P.
John Cauchi
Mar 16th 2012, 16:28
Condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace.
Vincent Grech
Mar 16th 2012, 16:07
God grant eternal life rest in peace
Vincent Galea
Mar 16th 2012, 16:00
My grandson saw a dead bird the other day and became terribly anxious. I said to him, " Kyle, Death is part of God's world. And God's world is beautiful."
He nodded, because neither of us doubted that both of these thoughts are true.
May his soul bask in the glory of God.
Saviour Aquilina
Mar 16th 2012, 15:53
In 4 days Malta lost 2 Great Man.
Paul Bilocca
Mar 16th 2012, 15:52
Please, please, dear bloggers, he was first and foremosy a priest . and a very good one at that.
Michael Pule
Mar 16th 2012, 15:27
Another great man passed away to a better life! This week, Malta has lost two great men who contributed in no small way to our well-being. We are forever grateful for their contribution to our society. Thanks a lot Fr. Peter and rest in peace. You also worked hard in the field of the Lord and your contribution will remain with us for many years. Condolences to all the Serracino Inglott family.
Jeremy Cordina
Mar 16th 2012, 15:19
I remember Fr.Peter at ta'L-Erwieh Chappel(Tarxien) when I was an altar boy.
He will be remembered for the 'TAL-Hdax u Nofs' Sunday Mass.
R.I.P. Fr Peter.
Anthony Mercieca
Mar 16th 2012, 15:13
For people who know Fr. Peter, he was a real humble priest who had a thirst for knowledge and also to impart such to all others that crossed his way. In spite that years have gone bye, I vividly remember his lectures especially when he made us participate actively in certain topics. He would start to question our work with the scope he would help us students better explain and understand what we were supposed to be learning. I look back in my life and attribute any my "success" especially in my work to this real gentleman. May the Lord accept him in His bosom, as to my humble pretension, I would dare to say that he deserves a place next to Him that enlightened his passion for study and Teilhardian vision of the cosmos and existence .
Albert Debono
Mar 16th 2012, 15:11
Fr Peter's insight and support to the Zghazagh Haddiema Nsara along the years was immense. As a past member, im sure many will be using his insights for time to come. thanks fr peter, pray for us that we may continue to serve, educate and represent!
Lucienne Dimech
Mar 16th 2012, 15:10
The island has lost a brainbox. May he rest in peace. His wisdom shall live through all those with whom he has shared it
Judith Bugeja
Mar 16th 2012, 15:09
May God rest his soul...
Victor Pulis
Mar 16th 2012, 15:08
Death has robbed malta of two great men this week. First a great statesman in Dr Censu tabone and now a great thinker in Fr. Peter. But great men never really die. They live on in their deeds. A quote from Gladiator. What we do in life echoes in eternity.
Nick Zarb
Mar 16th 2012, 15:02
He will be very sadly missed by ALL members of Maltese society. I remember his opening speech to sophomores in 1987 (I was one) when we started chanting his name. He replied with humour and wit, 'When they call your name it's either becuase they love you or they want you to shut up.' With that reply he won us over.
May we never forget your intellect and kindness.
Daniel Rohan
Mar 16th 2012, 14:52
I remember him giving a speech about philosophy in the Higher Secondary hall in 2009 or 2010. Good man, condolences.
Bertille Lungaro Mifsud
Mar 16th 2012, 14:51
He was an exemplary intellectual and kind. My sincere condolence.
Glen Cutteridge
Mar 16th 2012, 14:42
Rest in Peace =(
Joseph Calleja
Mar 16th 2012, 14:36
Fr Peter Serracino Inglott was a legend and a scholar, he will be missed. May he rest in Peace.
Vincent Cassar
Mar 16th 2012, 14:34
May your body rest in peace Fr Peter but your works to live with us forever!
B. Storace
Mar 16th 2012, 14:33
A great man indeed; we shall miss him and his visionary ideas. R.I.P
Matt Azzopardi
Mar 16th 2012, 14:28
RIP boss!
P. Vincenti
Mar 16th 2012, 14:28
May he rest now.
Franco Farrugia
Mar 16th 2012, 14:27
Fr Peter will be sorely missed by our society!
Neville Zammit
Mar 16th 2012, 14:26
My deepest condolences to Fr Peter's family.
Lydia Pace Workman
Mar 16th 2012, 14:24
Not just as a relative but as a Maltese- American, Fr. Peter kept my family and me in awe of his accomplishments as a priest, a teacher, a philosopher and last but not least, a human being. Rest in peace Fr. Peter.
Joseph Francis
Mar 16th 2012, 14:23
Farewell to a great visionary, who was also a humble person and a great leader. Thanks for all that you taught me.
claude camilleri
Mar 16th 2012, 14:20
An amazing human. On every level, Fr. SI was a wonderful man. His delightful sister or assistant calls to reserve a table at Palazzo and always ate healthily but could never resist dessert.
He was the benchmark of humility, a beacon of light in a dreary and dull intellectual landscape.
He was a visionary, a kind man, a funny man.
Many afternoons were spent chatting with the late and equally special, Mro. Charles Camilleri.
A Dieu, good man.
Sorely missed, never forgotten.
Mark Said
Mar 16th 2012, 14:18
Malta has lost a great thinker and mentor!
Judith Desira
Mar 16th 2012, 14:16
R.I.P .....this week has seen the loss of two lovely men ;(
Carmel Garcia
Mar 16th 2012, 14:03
God give him eternal rest. Thanks for teaching us what love really is Father Peter.
Luke Scicluna
Mar 16th 2012, 13:59
A great pity.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Mar 16th 2012, 13:54
We lost a great person. May he rest in peace
P Bonnici
Mar 16th 2012, 13:53
May he rest in peace.
Karl Consiglio
Mar 16th 2012, 13:53
He was a nice guy.
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