According to tradition, the Christian faith in Malta began with the preaching of a prisoner: Paul of Tarsus, the indefatigable "Apostle of the Gentiles".

Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta around the year 60 AD while on his way to Rome. The story is narrated in the Acts of the Apostles throughout chapter 27 and the first eleven verses of chapter 28.

Paul stayed in Malta three months (the winter months). As a prisoner, he was incarcerated in a natural cave down in the ditch of the fortified city of Mdina. Today, this primitive prison, preserved in its natural state, is known as "St Paul's Grotto", and held by the Maltese as a place of worship.

To have been converted to Christ by a prisoner gives us so much honour, pride
and joy.