Archbishop launches Pauline Year programme

Archbishop Paul Cremona has launched a year-long programme of activities to be held jointly by the dioceses of Malta and Gozo to mark the Pauline Year, declared by Pope Benedict.

The year, marking 2000 years of teachings by St Paul, kicks off in Malta on June 28 when Mass outside the Cathedral in Mdina.

Mgr Cremona said the purpose of the activities was for the faithful to rediscover the figure of St Paul as the Father of the Maltese Catholic Church.

Activities in Malta and Gozo will include pilgrimages to the islands of St Paul, celebrations in various localities, pilgrimages to Rome led by Archbishop Cremona and Bishop Mario Grech and courses on the teachings of St Paul.

A local film on the life of St Paul is being prepared.

There will be a range of other activities including activities involving migrants, an art exhibition on Pauline themes and a 'Pauline Village' grouping a number of activities and exhibitions. Literature on St Paul will be distributed in all homes.

The bishops will also lead pilgrimages to sites associated with St Paul in Turkey.