Fr Geoffrey G. Attard writes:

On March 7, I received a text message from the pastoral secretary of our diocese announcing the death of Rita Sciberras, mother of Mgr Laurence Sciberras.

Although I had never met Mrs Sciberras in person, I felt I had to write these few words. I used to see Rita sitting on her chair in front of her house every year on the fourth Sunday of July as her native village of Sannat celebrates the titular feast of St Margaret, patron saint of the village. I don’t remember ever having spoken to her but I knew very well two of her children, Frances Galea and Mgr Sciberras who taught me Old Testament at the Gozo major seminary and who is also a member of the minor seminary school teaching staff where I work.

I used to notice Rita’s daughter Frances walking to Sannat and back to her house in Victoria almost daily in order to visit her aged mother.

I am also aware of the dedication in which the monsignor – despite his various pastoral engagements – looked after his mother.

The funeral Mass was held at St Margaret parish church on March 8 in which I concelebrated. I would like to extend my sympathies to Rita’s family. May the good Lord grant her eternal rest!