[WATCH] One week to the hour, Archbishop celebrates mass for Daphne Caruana Galizia's repose

Archbishop Charles Scicluna celebrated mass at Bidnija church in remembrance of Daphne Caruana Galizia who was murdered just after 3pm, exactly one week ago. He urged people 'not to be afraid'

Archbishop Charles Scicluna is celebrating mass at Bidnija church in remembrance of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Archbishop Charles Scicluna is celebrating mass at Bidnija church in remembrance of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Archbishop Charles Scicluna celebrates mass at Bidnija in remembrance of Daphne Caruana Galizia

People flocked to the small Bidnija church where Archbishop Charles Scicluna celebarted mass in remembrance of the rural hamlet's most notable citizen - Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The journalist was murdered in a car bomb on Monday, 16 October just after 3pm on Bidnija hill as Caruana Galizia made her way out of the hamlet. She had just left her house.

Flowers and candles left by mourners near the bomb site where Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered
Flowers and candles left by mourners near the bomb site where Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered

Scicluna urged people "not to be afraid" of those who wanted to instil fear.

In a short but moving homily, Scicluna urged those present to work for peace wherever violence was present.

"Whoever killed Daphne Caruana Galizia wanted to scare and terrorise us. We don't know who he is, but [God] does. [We must] create a culture in which everyone works for the common good and not personal interests," Scicluna said.

Turning to those in front of him, he urged them to look after one another so as not to let fear dominate.

"Don't tell me that I'm dreaming - but dream with me. In a street in Bidnija, life turned into death and the truth was silenced. What happened today week was meant to make us fear an unknown force of evil. Our resolve today is that where there is violence we will work for peace. Where there is hatred, we will work for love. Where there is fear we will work for unity. We pray for Daphne and her family, but we also pray for our island nation where we may create a culture of solidarity, integrity and honesty," he said.

The mass ended with the singing of the national anthem, followed by Scicluna's cry, "Viva Malta", to which the congregation burst out in applause. The archbishop also addressed journalists and asked them to continue doing their job without fear or favour.

A minute's silence was also observed for all victims of violence.

Those attending included Italian senator Rosi Bindi, the president of the Antimafia Commission, acting President Dolores Cristina, former President Eddie Fenech Adami, former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, other politcians and many friends.

The mass follows a manifestation held in Valletta on Sunday when thousands called for justice to be done with the slain journalist.