On Saturday, 28th August 2010, at the Parish of St Paul’s Bay, the year dedicated to the 1950th anniversary since the shipwreck of St Paul was brought to a close. In our tradition, St Paul’s Bay has always been closely associated with Paul’s shipwreck and his visit to Malta.
The festivities, which were most significant, commenced at the Parish Church, with the celebration of mass, presided over by Archbishop Paul Cremona. At the end of the mass, the Archpriest of Rabat, Can. Louis Suban, presented a stone from the Grotto of St Paul which will be placed at the altar of the Parish of St Paul’s Bay. The Archbishop unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Following the mass, a procession was held, during which the statue of St Paul, which is venerated in the Parish and the relic of St Paul from Rabat church, were carried through the streets of St Paul’s Bay. The procession was led by Archpriest Louis Suban. A significant ceremony was held in front of the Church of St Paul’s Sanctuary. A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, relating the story of St Paul’s shipwreck was read out, a bonfire was lit and those present renewed their commitment to the faith. At the end of the procession, the chaplet of St Paul was prayed and a sacramental blessing was conveyed upon those present.
Click on the photo to enlarge. The photos of the Archbishop’s events may be purchased from PHOTOCITY, Valletta. Tel: 21236723. Email: [email protected]