Fr Renè Cilia, 27 of Qormi, died in a traffic accident yesterday while on his way to say early morning Mass at the Żejtun parish church.

The accident happened at about 6.30am and, as Żejtun parishioners gathered for Sunday Mass, they were shocked to hear what had happened to their beloved Dun Renè.

He died on impact when the car he was driving collided with two vehicles on the Tal-Barrani Road, Żejtun.

The police said the accident happened when Fr Cilia’s car mounted the central strip and went on the other side of the road. The driver of one of the cars suffered serious injuries but was not critical while his passenger was slightly injured. The other driver was not hurt.

The priest worked very closely with young people and planned to unveil a new project for youngsters this week, Żejtun archpriest Fr Eric Overend said.

Fr Cilia had recently been appointed deputy to Fr Overend at the parish where he had been based for about two years.

Despite his short stay he touched the heart of many who described him as a person who was always willing to offer his support and who constantly wore a smile on his face.

“We didn’t only lose a priest. We lost a friend,” one young woman said as she walked out of the Żejtun church with tears in her eyes after hearing the news about his death.

“The good you did for our community during your short stay was big. With your unique smile you transmitted God’s word positively,” one man wrote on a Facebook tribute page.