Killed on his way to Mass

Żejtun parishioners walked out of church in tears yesterday after learning that the young priest they so admired, Fr Renè Cilia, died in a traffic accident on his way to celebrate the 7am Mass. The 27-year-old priest, affectionately known as Dun Renè, had only been serving in the parish for about two years. But his “unique smile” and happy outlook on life brought him close to the people during this short period. “Żejtun feels lost… We can’t believe he’s gone. He worked so much for our young people,” one woman said as she walked out of the church sobbing. Her teenage daughter said: “We didn’t only lose a priest. We lost a friend.” Fr Cilia died on impact when he lost control of his car on the Tal-Barrani Road, Żejtun, yesterday at about 6.30am, the police said. He was on his way from his Qormi home to Żejtun where he was recently appointed deputy to the archpriest. The police said the accident happened when Fr Cilia’s car mounted the central strip, went onto the other carriageway and crashed into two oncoming cars. The driver of one of the cars suffered serious injuries but was not critical while his passenger was slightly injured. The other driver was not hurt. Żejtun archpriest...