The feast commemorating St Paul's Shipwreck goes beyond the annual holiday, held every 10th February. The roots of this religious celebration go beyond the day, with multiple houses of prayer dedicated to the saint over the years. Here's a list of the most prominent Maltese churches who bear the saint as their patron:
1. The Church of the Conversion of St Paul, Hal Safi
Hal Safi was established as a parish close to half a millenium ago, but the current church was built in 1726, replacing a small chapel also dedicated to St Paul dated to 1564.
2. St Paul's Shipwreck, Munxar, Gozo
Prior to its establishment as a parish church in the 20th century, Munxar locals would walk over to the nearby village of Sannat to attend service. Initially, it was considered a chapel when it was consecrated in 1925 but by 1958 it had become an independent parish to Sannat.
3. St Paul's Cathedral, Mdina
Undoubtedly the most famous of all in this list, St Paul's Cathedral in Mdina was founded all the way back in the 12th century, but the current architecture is not the original. It was dismantled following a very severe earthquake in Sicily in 1693, with the current cathedral built between 1696 and 1705 under the direction of master architect Girolamo Cassar.
4. Collegiate Church of St Paul, Rabat
Consecrated in September 1726, the current church replaced several earlier ones built on the same site. There is a secondary church annexed to it dedicated to St Publius, who had been annointed Malta's first bishop by St Paul himself. The church of St Publius gives access to a grotto, which tradition indicates acted as St Paul's living and preaching quarters during his three-month stay in Malta.
5. Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, Nadur, Gozo
This basilica shares two patron saints, St Peter and St Paul. Its construction took more than a century to complete, and major renovations were effected in the early 20th century. Now, the church is a minor basilica and is considered one of the most beautiful in Gozo.
There are several other churches and chapels dedicated to St Paul, such as the church of St Paul's Shipwreck in Marsalforn, Gozo, and also in San Pawl tat-Targa, Naxxar. Although not as extravagant as during the summer months, on this day churches dedicated to St Paul will host special services and religious celebrations in his name. While these will largely be done in Maltese, you can still sit in and follow in spirit.
Do you know of any other churches dedicated to St Paul?