The funeral of Emanuel Scicluna, father of Archbishop Scicluna took place earlier today.

Emanuel Scicluna, died early on July 3, in a Rome hospital. He was 85 years old and was survived by his wife Maria Carmela and their other children Monica, Josette and Jesmond.

The funeral took place at St Sebastian parish church in Qormi where Mass was held at 3.30pm followed by private burial in the family vault at Lija cemetery.

Mr Scicluna had spoken about his son's inclination towards the priesthood as from a young age, during an interview during an interview with the Malta Independent when he was appointed Archbishop. "Charles would place a table in the middle of the room and would cover it with a piece of cloth and use the table as an altar".

Mr Scicluna had also spoken about his son's passion for music and reading, and his previous move to Canada where Charles was born.

Archbishop Scicluna delivered the homily.

“I, together with my siblings, wish to thank you for our papà, Emanuel, the husband of our mother, Maria Carmela. Through them, we were called into existence; through them, you gave us the gift of life. Whole-heartedly and joyfully, they welcomed the sublime vocation to parenthood”.

“We thank you Lord for our Papà, Leli the carpenter from Qormi, who lovingly reflected the beautiful rays of your love for us. Through his diligent mastery of his trade, and above all, through his simple but strong faith that was bequeathed to him by our grandparents Nina and Karmenu, he drew us close to his Son, the “Emmanuel”, the carpenter of Nazareth, the Saviour of the world”.

Pope sends condolences

Pope Francis, through his Secretary of Stated Pietro Parolin, sent his condolences to Archbishop Scicluna, as follows:

The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the death of your beloved father, Emanuel, and offers you his heartfelt condolences. His Holiness gives thanks for Emanuel’s life, faith and all the good that he did during his time here on earth, and joins in praying to God the Father of all consolation for his eternal rest.  To you, your mother, your sisters, brother and all the members of your family, as well as those who mourn Emanuel’s passing, the Holy Father willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in Christ the risen Lord.