Among those present for the canonisation was Jessie Cilia, a relative of Saint Gorg. She explained to The Malta Independent that her maternal grandmother was Aminta Spiteri, sister of Saint Gorg.

She witnessed great enthusiasm among the people, especially the Maltese, although the rain did ruin some of the atmosphere, she said.

In fact, the downpour continued until the end of Mass after which it began drizzling on and off.

As a relative of the new saint, she said she felt great joy when he was proclaimed a saint and she thinks this joy was shared by the Maltese in Rome who also rejoiced at the Pope’s references to the saint and the society he founded.

Ms Cilia said after Mass, St Peter’s Basilica was opened to the public and a huge queue was formed which lasted well into the afternoon.