Archbishop Charles Scicluna this afternoon urged the people not to be afraid as he celebrated Mass for the repose of the soul of Daphne Caruana Galizia, exactly a week after her car bomb murder.

The Mass was said in the tiny chapel of Bidnija, a few hundred metres away from where the murder took place. The site is now covered with bouquets of flowers and a Maltese flag. 

At the opening of the Mass, Mgr Scicluna said violence needs to be eliminated with prayer and fear needs to be overcome with courage.

In his homily, Mgr Scicluna said the Lord's message was: "Do not be afraid."

Whoever planted the bomb wanted to instil fear of an unknown force of evil. But the Lord's justice would prevail. So too, he hoped, would be society's justice, for Daphne and for whoever committed the murder. 

“Our resolve today is that where there is violence, we will work for peace. Where there is injustice, we will strive for justice. Where there is division, we will work for unity.” 

The people's resolve should also be to look after one another. If they were not to let fear dominate, they needed to look after each other by working for society, not for personal interests. 

All should work for the promotion of a culture of truth, honesty and solidarity.  That was the culture of life. 

Those present included former President Eddie Fenech Adami, former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and many friends, many sitting outside the small church. 

Maria Rosaria Bindi, an Italian politician and the current President of the Antimafia Commission, was also present.

The Mass ended with the National Anthem, after which Mgr Scicluna cried 'Viva Malta,' to applause.