The funeral of Mgr Fortunato Mizzi, only son of former Nationalist Party leader Nerik Mizzi, took place today at the Jesuits Church in Valletta.

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil and Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri were in attendance. PN Executive President Ann Fenech, PN Whip David Agius and PN leadership candidate Adrian Delia were also there.

He died yesterday aged 88 on 8 September.

Mgr Mizzi was named after his grandfather, the founder of the Nationalist Party and former leader. Mgr Mizzi lived in the same house in which his father had lived and died, in St John Street in Valletta.

In 2010, Mgr Mizzi, together with then Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, had set up the Fortunato and Enrico Mizzi Foundation, which was intended to commemorate the party's first two leaders as well as the archives and memorabilia of the Mizzi family.

The house occupied by the Mizzi family is planned to be converted into a museum of political history.

Mgr Mizzi was born in Valletta on 25 July 1927 and is the founder of the Social Action Movement (MAS). He was educated at the seminary and was ordained priest in 1952. In 2000, he was appointed member of the National Order of Merit.

Source: Dictionary of Maltese biographies (Michael J. Schiavone)

Photos by Baskal Mallia