The St Julian's Parish Church was packed full of mourners in attendance for the funeral of former Nationalist Party MP Karl Gouder on Saturday.

Gouder, a former mayor of the locality, died last Tuesday in Valletta.

His passing shocked the nation and drew messages of condolences and tributes from all sections of society over the past week.

Wreaths of flowers were laid around the altar.

The church fell silent as people listened to Mgr Claude Portelli deliver the homily.

"Do not let your heart be confused, the Lord tells us today," the priest began. "How can we not be confused with all the questions going through our minds since Tuesday?"

Mgr Portelli said that such thoughts and doubts pertain to the notion that "maybe we could have been more aware, more present, more attentive", as he remarked that those who knew Gouder and even those who did not "were left confused, lost, and without words".

"Karl's death shocked us, in the very sense of the word," the Priest remarked, as he continued that he does not think that he has "ever experienced something so strong and tangible". He commented that it is still difficult to believe that the gathering Saturday morning was to give Gouder his final farewell.

"Lord, we have to admit that we are confused. Although you tell us not to let our hearts be confused, in our humanity, misery, and imperfection, we find ourselves confused... Lord, once more you are reminding us today that you are the road, the truth, and life. No one can go to the Father without your permission. Our gaze today turns towards You, who is our consolation even as we find ourselves in tears - because you are with us."

Mgr Portelli said that many beautiful things have been said and written about Gouder over the past few days, as he continued that those who were lucky to know Gouder throughout his life also know that he always tried to do his best to unite people. "And even in his death, in an extraordinary way until the end, he has managed to unite our beloved country that we all care for."

He said that friends and politicians from every party bear witness to Gouder's ability to unite. He added that Karl held democratic principles closely and always gave others courage. The priest said that Gouder was always ready to help, and that friendship was an important value to him. "He always did what he could to give courage... His love towards his family was always first and foremost... He spoke of his family with a great sense of pride."

Mgr Portelli said that continuing the principles that the former MP believed in and lived for is the way to continue honouring his memory. "We owe it to Karl, now more than ever... The sense of enthusiasm, working together, cooperation, love... He always did what he could to bridge."

He gave a moment to comment on the need to be more aware of each other's as well as our own well-being, and particularly emphasised this point regarding politicians The priest, in his homily urged politicians to address the country's mental health crisis'. He also encouraged them to eschew the politics of divisiveness. "We need to take care of each other, how many times did we say this during the pandemic when we were in our homes? There is a time for everything, and there is a time for us to care for each other and be more aware of each other's needs."

Mgr Portelli publicly thanked Karl Gouder's parents, Simone and Francis, "for the beautiful values that they instilled in their children". He added that surely they were the examples and the means through which Gouder became the person that everyone knew.

The parish erupted into applause as Gouder's coffin was carried out, in honour of his memory.

The funeral procession proceeded through St Julian's and also went past the PN Headquarters in Pieta, where the party leadership and staff gathered to pay tribute.