Malta

July 10, 2015


Twice a year we fly to Malta, which is part of our mission, for their semi-annual branch conference.  We currently have four missionaries serving on the small island, two elders and a senior couple. 

Blue Grotto

Street being decorated in preparation for the annual "festa".

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The history of Mdina traces back more than 4000 years. According to tradition it was here that in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands.  Lamp lit by night and referred to as "the silent city", Mdina is fascinating to visit for its timeless atmosphere as well as its cultural and religious treasures.
Mdina has had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role but its medieval name describe it best - ‘Citta' Notabile': the noble city.
It was home then, as now, to Malta's noble families; some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards. Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets.

Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture.

We had the opportunity to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral often referred to as The Chucrh of Paul, in the city of Mdina.  The Cathedral is the Mother Church of all Churches within the Maltese Archdiocese and is dedicated to the Conversion of St. Paul, the Apostle who founded the church in Malta after being shipwrecked there in 60 A.D.  Paul later sailed from Malta to Italy.  The story is found in the Book of Acts.