Both Valletta and Floriana commemorate the two patron saints of these islands. Both feasts are of national importance, as both saints were responsible for the introduction of Christianity here.

It is a pity that due to lack of knowledge, many people are confused about the true facts in relation both to St Paul and St Publius. None of the misconceptions is justified, especially in this day and age when research is so easy to carry out.

I earnestly plead for a genuine effort to discuss and solve these points once and for all. Are we mature enough to forget the past and ignore false information? The Malta and Gozo dioceses can ask the Holy See to appoint an independent and unbiased scholar to study and evaluate the arguments for and against certain theories.

Once this topic is laid to rest, we should then start to work in earnest to prepare for the 19th century from the martyrdom of St Publius, when he was thrown to the lions. This special event will occur in 2018. Are there enough people of goodwill in these islands?