Through his kindness, young Samuel Cutajar set an example for society to follow, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said yesterday.

Speaking during the ceremony of the award of the Pope John XXIII Prize for Kindness, now in its 58th year, she said the 10-year-old was not just a role model for his classmates at the Archbishop’s Seminary, in Rabat, but an example to all.

Let the boy’s kindling of emotions through his friendship with Jordan Farrugia be everlasting and not temporary so that justice will reign in society, she urged.

Samuel believes Jordan’s best qualities are love and respect and he cares for his friend, who has Down’s Syndrome, by holding his hand as they walk down the stairs and carrying his bag when he complains about its weight.

Organised by the Peace Lab, its founder, Fr Dionysius Mintoff, said Pope John XXIII, now a saint, should be remembered for his words, love and humility.

The aim of the ceremony, he added, was to remember the good pope as a living monument and not a statue in some square.

Quoting Pope John XXIII, Fr Mintoff urged parents and teachers to let their children criticise and be criticised so that they would grow into sound adults.

Education had to be the priority of any political, social and religious agenda.

“Samuel Cutajar left a silver trail behind him made up of kind acts and, at such a young age, already knows that what can be done today should not be left for tomorrow as we are only kids once.”

In her speech, Ms Coleiro Preca said she was proud of Samuel, whose friendship had helped Jordan integrate within his classroom and continue his studies.

“There is no better gift than love and your practical help reflects your good values and upbringing,” she told him.

Quoting human rights activist Martin Luther King when he asked people what they had done to make life better for others, she commended Fr Mintoff’s work, including the setting up of the Peace Lab, which helped migrants who made it to Malta full of hope and heartache.