The Pauline tradition has been assiduously fostered in Malta since at least the early modern period. The Knights promoted it for reasons of institutional prestige whilst the Maltese considered it as proof of an ancient Christian European heritage that was even older than that of the Order.

Pauline devotion was also very strong in Valletta, where a church dedicated to the Apostle's shipwreck was completed in the 1680s. Considered a gem of Baroque architecture the church's main benefactor was the Order. Nonetheless in addition to various Knights and Grand Masters, a number of Maltese noble families also donated large sums of money for its completion, together with the Universita', the parishiners and the clergy. Particularly betwen the years 1730 - 1770 - at the height of the Pauline debate - the church of St Paul's Shipwreck became a symbol which represented not only the islands' religious traditions and beliefs but also the aspirations of its benefactors for political power and glory.

Saint Paul the Apostle set foot on Malta in the year 60 AD. We have a thrilling description of this episode in Chapter 28 of the Biblical Acts of the Apostles written by Saint Luke.

In that part of the island were estates belonging to the governor, whose name was Publius. This man welcomed us and entertained us most kindly for three days. Now it happened that Publius' father was lying ill with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and after prayer laid his hands on him and healed him. After that all the other sick people on the island came forward and were cured. Consequently they loaded us with presents, and when the time came for us to sail they provided us with everything we needed.

The Christian faith took its time to spread since it came into conflict with Roman Law.

It was only in the fourth century AD that the Emperor Constantine approved of the Christian Church disseminating the creed as well as building churches and cathedrals. Any epigraphic and archaeological evidence that could throw light on the degree of acceptance the Christian belief gained in Malta between 60 AD and the fourth century is sparce, nevertheless, there have been many discoveries at the Church of San Pawl Milqi (Church of the ‘Welcomed Saint Paul’) at Burmarrad that possibly testify to the arrival of Saint Paul in Malta.

The most important evidence is a slab of stone scratched, on one side, with the Greek letter ‘Tau’ and an image of a bald-headed Saint

Saint Paul with sword in hand, and, on the reverse, the galley on which the Saint came to Malta.

Pope Benedict shall be arriving in Malta on April 17 at 5 p.m., leaving the day after at 7 p.m.  The visit to Malta in April will be his first visit outside Italy for the year. It will mark the 1950th anniversary since St Paul's Shipwreck. 

Besides Malta he will also visit Portugal, Cyprus and the United Kingdom. He will also preside over the first synod on the Middle East, and he has several pilgrimages within Italy.

Moreover the beatification of Pope John Paul II might take place and the second part of ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ by Pope Benedict XVI might also be published.
 

The theme chosen is taken from the quote of Saint Paul "nevertheless, we must run aground on some island".  This theme was chosen because it was closely related to the shipwreck of St Paul which is the focal point of the Pope's visit to Malta so much so that after the formal welcome given by the Hon President of Malta he will hold a ceremony at St Paul's Grotto.

The Pope's second major activity will be his meeting with young people at the Waterfront. Pope Benedict is expected to arrive at the Waterfront on a boat from Kalkara.

The gate at the Waterfrontwill open at 1 p.m. on April 18. The meeting will be at 5.15 p.m. but it will be preceded by a programme of activites. Even though open to the public, the event was aimed specifically at youths and a number of places were to be especially reserved for young people, who will eventually be able to register and book a place online.

So take advantage of this opportunity and visit Malta and see the Pope.  Once you are in Malta then:

With our products in Malta you bargain.