FEAST OF ST. PAUL’S SHIPWRECK

Words by Terrence Mifsud

The Apostle Paul's shipwreck is celebrated on February 10. St. Paul’s stay in Malta in the year 60 AD is associated with several miracles, including the healing of Publius' father, the island's leader, and the conversion of numerous others to Christianity. Although the exact site of the shipwreck is unknown, St. Paul's Bay is the most probable location, hence the name of the inlet. The bay is now a a well-liked tourist attraction, with numerous St. Paul churches and shrines located right next to the arresting inlet.

But how did one of the Apostles end up stranded on such a tiny island? As quoted in the Bible, Paul was being transported to Rome to face prosecution for being a political dissident when his ship, along with about 274 other passengers, became stuck in a violent storm and sank off the coast of Malta. Despite the perilous circumstances, Paul and the other survivors managed to reach land without any significant injuries.

“And later we learned that the island was called Malta. And the people who lived there showed us great kindness, and they made a fire and called us all to warm ourselves...”

One of the most recounted stories by Maltese Christians, is the story of the poisonous snake. While a fire was being lit, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake. To the locals suprise, St Paul was left unscathed. The islanders saw this as a sign that he stood out as a particular individual, resulting in locals converting to Christianity. The story claims that this action not only instantly rendered the venom of every snake on Malta inert, but also promoted kinder speech, diminishing the "poison on people's tongues." Interestingly, the Islands are now home to several religious works of art depicting this striking scene.

The highest Roman official in the Islands, Publius, extended an invitation to him to visit his residence. According to the legend, Paul attended to Publius' father's serious illness. Following this miracle, Publius converted to Christianity, where he was later chosen to be the first bishop of Malta. The home of Publius, the island's first Catholic bishop, is said to be where the Cathedral of Mdina presently stands.

Legend has it that St Paul spent the winter hiding away in the grotto that is now called St. Paul's Grotto, which is adjacent to Rabat. From this moment on, the apostle began his mission; to spread Christianity to the whole island.

There has been an ongoing hunt by archeologists and historians to find tangible proof to back these legends up. Many would-be explorers have also taken up diving in an effort to unearth evidence that relates to biblical stories, and in the 1960s some claimed to have found that evidence. Divers found numerous antique anchors that were said to be from the ship that St. Paul sailed, albeit this is impossible to accurately confirm whether or not this is factual. These remains are currently housed in a part of the Maritime Museum in Valletta.

These events served as the cornerstone for Christianity in Malta, where Catholicism is still the most common and widely accepted religion. The church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, one of Valletta's oldest churches dating back to the 1570s, is open for services on the day of the feast. Numerous important pieces of art, such as the altarpiece, paintings, and a wooden, carved figure of St. Paul that dates back to 1659, can be found inside the church. On the day, St. Paul's Statue is traditionally carried through Valletta's streets from the church building. In the evening, it is carried along Republic Street to St. John's Square. After the 8am mass—one of several that take place throughout the feast—you may also view the magnificent fireworks show over the Grand Harbour. We hope you get to enjoy the feast like a true local, basking in the traditions of Malta, with a pastizz in one hand, and a kinnie in another!