St. Paul & Malta
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Most Maltese refer to St. Paul as "Our Father" and the link between the Saint and the Islands is very strong. Not surprising that one of the most common names in Malta is Paul and places such as San Pawl il-Bahar (St. Paul's Bay), San Pawl Milghi, San Pawl tat-Targa (Targa Gap) and St. Paul's Grotto prove this strong bond.
St. Paul
It all started in AD 60 when as The Holy Bible states, St. Paul was shipwrecked on the Island on his way to face trial in Rome. The ship was shipwrecked and every one on board survived. Once the survivors came to shore they were given a very hospitable welcome by the Islanders and lit up a bonfire to warm them. As soon as the fire was started a snake crawled out and grabbed onto Paul's arm, Paul just shook the snake into the fire as the islanders waited for him to bloat and die. Paul did not die and Maltese realised that he was a man sent from God (legend has it that ever since this incident all poisonous snakes on the island lost their venom as today there are no poisonous snakes on the islands). Paul spent the winter in Malta and during which time he converted many of the islanders to Christianity.
As one can imagine this event is celebrated on the Island. The town of St. Paul's Bay (the traditional location of the shipwreck) has a solemn procession and lights up a bonfire. The parish of St. Paul in Valletta celebrates the feast with a traditional festa. The feast of St. Paul's shipwreck is celebrated on February 10th and the Conversion of St. Paul is celebrated on January 25th.
Gillieru Harbour, St. Paul's Bay
There are various sites on the islands associated with St. Paul. The town of St. Paul's Bay has a small chapel in the area known as 'Gillieru' and it is built on the spot where the bonfire was lit up to welcome Paul & the survivors of the shipwreck. "Ghajn Razul" to the north end of St. Paul's Bay was the spot where tradition says that St. Paul touched the rock and water seeped out. Near the church of Burmarrad (just to the south of St. Paul's Bay) there are some Roman ruins known as "San Pawl Milghi" which is believed to have been the villa of the Roman governor at the time, Publius.In Rabat you can also find the St. Paul's Grotto which is located within the St. Paul's Catacombs complex. This is where according to tradition St. Paul lived while in Malta.
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