Messages of condolences have poured in for Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Paul Cremona on social media, who passed away Tuesday night at the age of 79.

Remembered as a kind and humble man, Cremona was deeply devoted to the Church, dedicating his “heart and soul” to faith and service.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono led the tributes: “Mgr Cremona led the Maltese Catholic Church as Archbishop with love and humility, and will remain remembered for the good that he did in silence across over 50 years of service within the Church.”

The Maltese Dominican Province sorrowfully announced the death of its “son” Mgr Cremona OP on its Facebook page, and described Cremona as “a worthy son of St Dominic, a friend to all, a faithful and good servant of the Church.”

It described him as a “shepherd, friend, and a spiritual father of many.”

On its Facebook page, the Dominican Church of the Annunciation in Vittoriosa also expressed its condolences, and said that at the Church, there is a book available to the public where one can write a message of condolences for the death of Mgr Cremona.

The St Dominic Feast Vittoriosa also took to Facebook to express its heartfelt gratitude towards Cremona, and that he will always remain in the hearts of the Dominicans. The St Dominic Feast Valletta took to Facebook to say that Malta has lost a Saint, referring to Mgr Cremona.

The Knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Malta paid tribute to the late Archbishop Emeritus, extending its heartfelt condolences to his family, his Dominican brothers and all the Maltese people.

“Mgr Cremona was 79 years old. He was very fond of our Order and never missed an investiture ceremony, even though his health was deteriorating. His presence and dedication will be greatly missed,” the Order said.

The Valletta Dominican Order also paid tribute to the “much loved” Mgr Cremona’s memory. It said that Cremona had in him all that St Dominic wanted his children to embrace – joy and the Dominican charisma, with which he touched the hearts of many Maltese families.

On a Facebook post, the College Rector, together with the Senior Management Team at Saint Albert the Great College also extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mgr Cremona, “a devoted son of the Maltese Dominican Province.”

It said that Cremona remained deeply loyal to the College, both during his time as a teacher and as Provincial and Archbishop.

“His love for our College was evident in the dedication and contributions he made to help it flourish. May God grant him eternal rest. We are certain that, together with Saint Albert the Great and our Holy Father Saint Dominic, they will all welcome him with open arms,” it said.

The San Gwann Parish offered its condolences to Mgr Cremona’s relatives, the entire Dominican family and the community of the Clergy House.

It quoted his words during his episcopal consecration, where he had quoted St Augustine: “For you, I am a bishop; with you, I am a Christian.”

The San Gwann Parish said that these words reflected the humility and service that always defined his ministry.

Josef Mario Briffa, a priest who was ordained by Cremona, said that he was a man who loved the Church, and dedicated himself heart and soul to it.

Several Ministers and MPs also expressed their heartfelt condolences over Mgr Cremona’s death.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said that the news “deeply saddened” her, having always seen him as a man who believed in love for his neighbour, empathy and respect. She thanked him for the good he has done for Maltese society.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici also paid tribute, saying he could not remember many Archbishops who entered the hearts of families like Mgr Cremona did.

“You were and will remain loved in an authentic and genuine way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Bonnici said.

PN MPs David Agius and Robert Cutajar also paid tribute to Cremona’s memory, describing him as a good person who also stood out for his humility, among his many other positive qualities.

The Labour Party issued a statement saluting the memory of Mgr Cremona, who it said will be remembered for his work as a priest, Provincial of the Dominican Community and throughout his episcopate as Head of the Catholic Church in Malta.

The PL said he distinguished himself for being humble, endorsing social values and for the work carried out in silence among the most vulnerable.

“He was a man of the people, both when he was a priest in various parishes, but also when he was at the helm of the Archdiocese of Malta,” the PL said, paying its condolences to his relatives.

The PN also extended its condolences to the family of the late Archbishop Emeritus, and its sympathies to Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, the Archdiocese and the Church in Malta, as well as to the Dominican community.

“Archbishop Emeritus Cremona dedicated his life to the community. His humility, the love he radiated, and his warm smile will remain in the hearts of all who knew him or worked closely with him. These were also the defining characteristics of his leadership at the helm of the Church in Malta during his tenure as Archbishop from 2007 to 2014,” the PN said.

The statement said that PN Leader Bernard Grech had visited Mgr Cremona at the Clergy House in Birkirkara, saying that he was just as everyone knew him, offering words of kindness and love.