St Paul in Malta

Statue of St Paul by Melchiore Gafa

February 10 is the celebration of the Shipwreck of St Paul on the shores of Malta. It is a holy day in Malta, even though this year it coincided with Sunday. The main church dedicated to the shipwreck of St Paul that happened in 60 AD, is situated in Valletta. The account of this event is recorded with minute detail by St Luke in chapters 27 and 28 of the Acts of the Apostles. The most popular verse in the entire Bible for all of the Maltese people is certainly this one: "Once we were on ground, we realized that the island was called Malta. The inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness by lighting a fire and gathering us all around it......They paid us great honor and when we eventually set sail they brought us the provisions we needed." This speaks very highly of the Maltese inhabitants who showed themselves welcoming, appreciative and generous. We pray that the Maltese people will continue to hold close to their hearts the faith that St Paul planted on our island.