St Paul's Church, Rbat

FOT962206

RM Rights Managed

Peter; Bassett; St; Paul; Paul's; Church; Malta; Apostle; Steps; Cave; Rabat; Grotto; Rbat

Acccording to the Book of Acts, Paul and his missionary party were shipwrecked on Malta for three months. During his stay, Paul was bitten by a snake and remained unharmed, prompting the natives to regard him as a god. He later healed the father of the governor of the island, Publius, and many other people (Acts 28:1-11). According to tradition, St Paul eschewed the comfortable surroundings offered to him and chose to live in this subterranean grotto instead. Whether or not this is true, it is possible that he preached from here. The Church of St. Paul, built above the grotto, dates from the 17th century. The statue of St Paul was donated by Grand Master Pinto in 1748; the silver galley hanging from the ceiling was given by the Knights of St John in 1960 to mark the 1,900-year anniversary of St Paul's shipwreck. Pope John Paul prayed in the grotto during his visit in May 1990.

Peter Bassett

Peter Bassett

2012-04-08

2012-04-22

Malta & Gozo

Architecture

Religious

Indoor

Eye level

Without people

#808070