Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Friday, February 10th. There are until the next observance.
Every year on February 10, the feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is observed. Malta is well-known for celebrating its past, preserving its Christian identity, and keeping long-held customs. The Maltese believe that the apostle Paul was shipwrecked off the island’s shore, and they celebrate this event with a huge celebration. The city’s strongest men carry a gigantic monument to the famed evangelist across town. It’s known as’ San Pawl Nawfragu ‘in Malta.
📆 When is Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck?
This year, Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is on February 10th. It is the 2nd Friday in February; in 2024, it is on Saturday.
→ Did you know: The shipwreck of Saint Paul is remembered by the “Parish Church of Saint Paul Shipwrecked” in Valletta, the capital city of Malta.
You can also view all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about February 10, 2023.
📜 History of Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
Acts 27:27–28:11 recount Paul’s shipwreck and three-month winter sojourn in Malta. He was carried to Rome as a prisoner, where he would stand trial before Caesar. Paul prayed for the safety of everybody on board, and his wish was granted, since the ship never arrived at its objective, instead landing on the shores of Malta.
This isn’t the only narrative about St. Paul and Malta. Paul was bitten by a deadly snake once while visiting Malta. St. Paul reputedly snatched the snake from his hand and was unharmed. St. Paul stopped in Malta for three months before continuing his journey. St. Paul is credited with establishing the first Christian community in the Maltese Islands, making the island one of the first Roman colonies to accept Christianity. Malta’s patron saint, is also honored as the patron saint of victims bitten by snakes.
☑️ Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck facts
✅ Famed for his healing abilities
The apostle Paul was well-known for his medical powers, which included curing the father of St. Publius of dysentery.
✅ Archaeological evidence
Some of the Maltese tales have archeological evidence to back them up.
✅ Bitten by a snake
According to legend, Paul took refuge in a cave and was bitten by a snake; however, he was miraculously unaffected by the bite.
✨ Things to do on Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
⚡ Feast in Valletta
St Paul’s Shipwreck is the major destination for the anniversary ceremonies commemorating the St Paul’s Shipwreck. St. Paul’s Parish Church, located on Valletta’s West Street, is one of Malta’s oldest churches, having been erected in 1570. Along with church services and street parties, the holiday is marked by processions led by a statue of St. Paul.
⚡ Grand Harbor
Many individuals have loved seeing the yearly fireworks show from Grand Harbor throughout the years. Locals thought that St.Paul stayed in Malta after his injury and converted many people to Christianity.
⚡ Religious gatherings
Brass bands, costumed spectators, all contribute to the spectacle of the procession, which is met with applause and shouts from the crowd. At the end of the event, there will be a solemn Mass to remember the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck.
📅 Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck Observances
YEAR | DATE | DAY |
2023 | February 10 | Friday |
2024 | February 10 | Saturday |
2025 | February 10 | Monday |
2026 | February 10 | Tuesday |
2027 | February 10 | Wednesday |
Learn all February holidays, including Special Interest and other Christian holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck. So be sure to check back soon.