Fifty years ago Malta commemorated the 19th centenary of the shipwreck of St Paul on our shores with great and solemn celebrations and festivities.
On this occasion Pope John XXIII sent His Eminence Cardinal Aloysius Joseph Muench as his Papal Legate. Several cardinals, bishops and prominent personalities from Europe, Asia, America and Africa visited our island for this occasion.
The message of the centenary was spread throughout every continent and given much publicity abroad. Both the Catholic and the secular press gave it much prominence.
Locally, the Pauline celebrations were followed with great joy and enthusiasm. The Collegiate Chapters of St Paul in Valletta and Rabat, the religious orders and all the parishes of Malta and Gozo participated actively in all the celebrations. So did other movements and institutions and the La Valette and King's Own Bands and the Casino Maltese gave a great welcome to the cardinals, bishops and prominent visitors in their premises. So did other institutions and several families.
Prominent Maltese artists like Emvin Cremona, Frank Portelli and John Bonnici were responsible for the artistic decorations. A special Mass was said on the island of St Paul, and a pageant about the life and personality of St Paul was held at the Empire Stadium, Gżira, in which more than 300 actors took part.
The climax of the celebrations was the solemn Mass held at the Floriana Granaries presided by the Papal Legate during which Pope John XXIII broadcast a special message to the Maltese people.
His Grace Mgr Michael Gonzi, Archbishop of Malta, supervised with great enthusiasm the different festivities with the help of the National Pauline Committee under the chairmanship of Mgr Edward Coleiro and his assistants Fr Charles G. Vella and Fr Philip Calleja.
An appeal is being made to the public to lend any documents, programmes and photos of the said festivities held during the Pauline Centenary. The public is urged to cooperate and contact Alfred Zahra by e-mail azahra@etheuma.com or at E. Theuma & Co., Theuma House, 302, St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1213.