Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Christian Historical
Where:: Malta
Date change rule:: Every February 10
Holiday emoji:: 🚢

The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck takes place every February 10, commemorating the Apostle Paul’s arrival in Malta after a shipwreck. This significant historical and religious event is a national holiday in Malta. Dive into the rich traditions, explore the island’s Christian heritage, and learn about the vibrant festivities.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck Deals

For the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, expect cultural institutions and religious organizations to highlight the historical significance of the event. Local Maltese businesses, particularly those in tourism and hospitality, may offer special tours or themed experiences related to St. Paul’s journey. Consider supporting organizations like the Malta Tourism Authority or local historical societies. Religious goods stores might feature items related to St. Paul or Maltese heritage. We will update this page with confirmed live cultural events and special offerings as February 10 approaches.

Platform Guide for Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #StPaulsShipwreck. Share photos and stories of Maltese celebrations.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FeastOfStPaul. Post images of the statue procession, churches, or historical Maltese landmarks.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #MaltaHistory. Share historical facts about St. Paul’s journey and its impact on Malta.

Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck Hero

Saint Paul the Apostle

Born Saul of Tarsus, Saint Paul was a pivotal figure in the early spread of Christianity. His shipwreck on Malta, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, is credited with bringing Christianity to the island. He spent three months there, healing the sick and converting many, leaving an indelible mark on Malta's spiritual landscape.

History of Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck

According to the Bible, St Paul was caught in a storm while on his way to Rome from his home in Jerusalem. The ship was swept onto the tiny island of Malta by the winds, and the Maltese, well-known for being hospitable people, greeted St Paul with open arms.

Acts 27:27 through 28:11 tell the story of Paul’s shipwreck and three-month winter stay in Malta. As a prisoner, he was transported to Rome, where he would be brought before Caesar for trial. Paul prayed for the safety of those aboard the ship and his request was heeded, for the ship never arrived at its destination, but rather, it ended up on the shores of Malta.

This isn’t the only story told regarding St. Paul and Malta. Once, while Paul was visiting Malta, he was bitten by a venomous snake. St. Paul allegedly swiped the snake off his hand and was not wounded in any way. St. Paul stayed in Malta for three months before departing to continue his travels. Historically, St Paul is credited with founding the first Christian community in the Maltese Islands, making the island one of the earliest Roman colonies to embrace the faith. Malta’s patron saint, Paul himself, is also revered as the patron saint of those who’ve been bitten by snakes.

Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck timeline

60 A.D.

St. Paul’s Arrival

St. Paul arrives in Malta because of a storm.

125 A.D.

Publius Martyred

The first bishop of Malta, St. Publius, is canonized.

1570s

Oldest Churches in Malta

Malta builds some of its oldest churches during this period.

17th Century

Statue of St. Paul

Malta erects a carved statue of St. Paul.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck

Local Maltese businesses, especially those in Valletta and the surrounding areas, can embrace the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck by decorating their storefronts with traditional Maltese and Christian symbols. Restaurants might offer special menus featuring traditional Maltese dishes. Tour operators can organize guided walks to historical sites associated with St. Paul, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors and locals alike.

Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck FAQs

When is the Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck?

In 2027, the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck will be observed on Wednesday, February 10. The day is a national holiday in Malta, marked by grand celebrations.

What is the significance of St. Paul's shipwreck in Malta?

The shipwreck is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles and is considered the foundation of Maltese Christianity. Paul’s three-month stay on the island led to the conversion of many, including Publius, the chief official, who became Malta’s first bishop.

How is the Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck celebrated?

Celebrations include religious services, traditional street decorations, and a festive atmosphere. The procession of the statue is a central highlight, drawing both locals and tourists to witness this deeply rooted Maltese tradition.

Is the Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck a public holiday?

As a national public holiday, February 10 is a day off for many in Malta. It underscores the profound cultural and religious importance of the event to the Maltese people, celebrated with widespread observance.

Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck Activities

Feast in Valletta
Valletta serves as the primary location for the St Paul's Shipwreck commemorative festivities. Located on Valletta's West Street, St. Paul's Parish Church is one of Malta's oldest churches, built in 1570. In addition to church services and street parties, the feast is commemorated by processions accompanied by a statue of St. Paul.
Grand Harbor
Over the years, many people have enjoyed watching the annual fireworks display from Grand Harbor. Locals believed that St.Paul lived in Malta for a time after his accident and converted many people to Christianity during his stay.
Religious gatherings
Brass bands and costumed spectators all add to the spectacle of the parade, which is greeted with clapping and cheers from the audience. A Solemn Mass in honor of the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck concludes the holiday.

5 Facts About St. Paul’s Shipwreck

Parish Church of Saint Paul Shipwrecked
In Malta's capital city of Valletta, the "Parish Church of Saint Paul Shipwrecked" celebrates Saint Paul's Shipwreck.
Famed for his healing abilities
Apostle Paul was famous for his healing abilities, including healing the father of St. Publius from dysentery.
Archaeological evidence
There is some archeological evidence to support some of the stories told by the Maltese.
Bitten by a snake
Paul was reported to have sought sanctuary in a cave, where he was bitten by a snake, though he was miraculously unaffected by the bite, the story says.
Christian community
A Maltese legend claims that St. Paul founded a Christian community on the island.

Why We Love Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck

It’s Maltese tradition
The arrival of St. Paul is important in Maltese tradition. The people take great pride in the fact that St. Paul’s shipwrecked on their island.
Advent of christianity
Christianity is introduced to Malta. The Maltese are proud of their Christian heritage.
It has historical significance
The shipwreck is of significant historical value. Malta is a key location in Christian history.