The Catholic Maltese People and Religious Traditions

It is said that around 60A.D St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta and converted their then leader, Publius to Catholicism by performing a series of miracles, including healing Publius’ father. By the 3rd century A.D. the majority of Malta’s population was Catholic.

In Malta Roman Catholic is the main faith, and The Maltese Constitution recognizes Catholicism as the state religion, even though freedom of religion is a constitutional right. The country of Malta has three patron saints: St Paul the Apostle, St Publius (called the first bishop of Malta) and St Agatha the virgin martyr. They also hold large celebrations at the feast of the Assumption of Mary (15 August) as well as the feast of Our Lady of Victories (8 September).