events Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck

According to legend, Paul lived in Malta for some time and managed to convert the local population to Christianity. Until now, the cult of Paul is huge. In Valletta, the capital, there is the majestic Church of the shipwreck of St. Paul, where the right hand of his relics and part of the Roman column on which Paul's head was chopped off is stored. The islands where the shipwrecked are also named after the saint.

















The shipwreck of St. Paul is considered one of the most important events in the history of Malta. Memorial Day was declared one of the country's public holidays. The main celebrations are held in the Church of the shipwreck of St. Paul in the capital Valletta. Regardless of the weather, on February 10, a wooden statue of the Apostle Paul dating back to the 7th century is carried through the streets of the city.









The strongest men of the city carry a huge statue of the great evangelist. The parade is accompanied by thunderous applause from the audience, brass band music, and numerous confetti. Devout old women sprinkle them with a procession from the balconies. The holiday ends with a solemn Mass in the church of the shipwreck of St. Paul.





There are many white spots in the fate of the supreme apostle. He nevertheless reached Rome, having lived there for several more years and having written some of the famous epistles.









Local residents believe that after the disaster the apostle managed to escape, live in Malta for several months, convert many to Christianity and heal several doomed. However, some researchers disprove this version, claiming that the shipwreck actually occurred in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. Nevertheless, St. Paul remains the patron saint of the Maltese and chanting them violently.









Paul found refuge in a cave in Rabat, which is now called the catacombs of St. Paul. In the summer, in a hot, far from the sea Rabat visit to the catacombs - almost the only salvation from the heat. There are also records of how Paul visited the house of the Roman Publius and healed him of a fever, and subsequently, Publius became the first Maltese bishop









Be that as it may, Malta really became one of the first Roman colonies to convert to Christianity.





The Maltese themselves did not forget their beloved saint. Every year on February 10, flags, confetti, and live music appear on the streets of Valletta. The main event of the holiday is a procession when the inhabitants of the city carry a statue of the saint along the central streets to music and applause. So the Maltese celebrate the day of the shipwreck that changed their fate.



















