Funeral of Venerable Bailiff Fra’ John Edward Critien
The funeral of Venerable Bailiff Fra’ John Edward Critien, Grand Prior of Rome, who died on 3 December at the age of 73, was held this morning at St Lawrence Collegiate church in Birgu.
The members of the Maltese Association, led by their President, HE Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, took part in the procession with the coffin, that started from Couvre Porte, passed through Victory Square and on to the church.
HG the Metropolitan Archbishop of Malta, Charles Jude Scicluna was the main celebrant at the 10:00 mass, assisted by Archpriest Canon Karm Busuttil and the Collegiate Chapter of St. Lawrence, Principal Chaplain of the Maltese Association Canon Brendan Gatt together with other chaplains of the Order. Fra’ Frances Vassallo was also present.
In his homily the archbishop spoke of John’s Inquiry, (Matthew 11:1–6): Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” He said that Fra John had realized that Jesus was the one, in the way he had led his life.
The church was packed to capacity with John’s family, friends, the Mayor John Boxall and residents of Birgu, who all loved John, il-Kavallier.
May he rest in peace.
Photos credit: Daniel Benson Camilleri
More photos are available at the gallery below:
