Mgr Dr Buontempo founded the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin in December 1975, and remained at its helm for 25 years.

He resigned as his health began to fail.

He was succeeded as president of the association by Alfred Massa.

However, Mgr Dr Buontempo continued to hold a position within the association as it first honourary life president.

Mgr Dr Buontempo was one of Malta’s greatest contemporary poets.

He was awarded various recognitions in Malta and abroad, as he wrote poetry in Maltese, English and Italian, being highly fluent in all three languages.

His poems are included in anthologies published around the globe.

A staunch believer, a devout and loyal priest, and a man of character, he used his poetic talent to convey peace, truth and spiritual serenity to all men of good will.

The Ghaqda Poeti Maltin, while mourning his loss, acknowledges him simultaneously as a great contemporary poet, bringing to mind the horation axiom that, while the poet dies, his verses live for ever.