Pawlu Mizzi, writes:
It is never enough to say thank you. Gratefulness has no age. Mgr Salvino Scicluna was always good to us all. His silence was spelt a thousand messages. Many of us heard it and will forever echo in our heart with fatherly love.
Mgr Salvino Scicluna, more lovingly called Dun Lino, studied at the Gozo Seminary and after being ordained priest in 1955 he went to the Università Pontificia Gregoriana in Rome where he graduated as Doctor of Canon Law.
He served in the parish of San Saturnino where he received Pope Paul VI on his first pastoral visit outside the Vatican. He was, later, made Judex at the Vicariate of Rome where in conjuction with the Cathedral of San Giovanni in Laterano, he was involved in helping to solve marital problems.
The Bishop's curias in both Malta and Gozo were indeed sad to hear of his demise. They thought of him highly. Bishop Joseph Pace was elated to see him as secretary to Cardinal Traglia during the Gozo Diocese celebrations in 1964. Bishop Cauchi and Bishop Grech were likewise always ready to take his advice and suggestions as were Archbishop Gerada and Archbishop Mercieca.
He is missed by all who knew him particularly Mgr Arthur Said Pullicino and Mgr Philip Calleja. During his last 17 years he retired to his house in Marsalforn. There, he spent most of his time reading and meditating with regular daily breaks for walks, meeting friends and chatting with neighbours.
He did not, however, neglect his pastoral duties, particularly the Eucharist and confession. Penitents who went to him often remember with love his kind words and his wisdom.
When he was in his younger years as a postumant for the promotion of saints, he also sought what was good and considered Christian piety as the state of righteousness.
These were the qualities that crowned his postulation for the beatification of Mother M. Elisabeth Hesselblad and Cardinal Henry Newman.
The attendance of the great number of concelebrating priests from all parishes during his funeral service at the Gozo Cathedral is evidence of this piety which he himself showed everywhere throughout his life. So was the tredicesimo Mass said for his repose by Bishop Mario Grech. He was good and charitable. Surely, the crowds that watched the funeral cortege from Republic street to the Cathedral in silence will remember him in their prayers for years to come.
May God give him eternal rest.