Links

Saint PubliuS

patron Saint of floriana

Who is St. Publius?

Saint Publius was the first bishop and leader of the church in Malta. In the Acts of the Apostles he is referred to as the governor of Malta:

"Not far from that place were some fields that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us kindly and for three days we were his guests. Publius' father was in bed, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went into his room, prayed, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this happened, all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. They gave us many gifts, and when we sailed, they put on board what we needed for the voyage." Acts 28: 7-10.

Here is an interesting story written by Nathan Hart, titled 'A Desperate Ruler and a Miracle-Working Prisoner'. Download here.

The following are some details which we know about Publius' life:

- Born in Malta to noble parents.

- His father was a wealthy and respected person and he was regarded by the romans as the governor of the island.

- Publius' family lived in the old city of Mdina, the site where the Cathedral of Mdina was later built.

- Publius studied various areas of knowledge in Athens, Marsal and Sicily.

- He succeeded his father as governor of Malta at a very young age.

- In the year 60A.D., he welcomed St. Paul and the shipwrecked crew in his residence, where St. Paul cured Publius' father from fever and dysentery.

- After this miracle, Publius was baptised and he was ordained bishop of Malta.

- Following his service in Malta, he was sent to Athens where he became bishop, after the first bishop, Dionisius was martyred. Athens was renowned for its wise and misleading men and Publius had a difficult task in spreading the word of Christ.

- Publius served as bishop of Athens for about 38 years. He then offered his life to God after he was thrown with lions. It is believed that Publius died in the year 125 AD.

Devotion to St. Publius

Being the first Maltese saint and bishop, St. Publius is considered one of the three protectors of Malta, together with St. Paul and St. Agatha. For this reason there are various chapels and niches dedicated to St. Publius scattered around the Maltese Islands.

In the past, where devotion to St. Publius was even stronger, people used to pray to him a lot and through God, it is said that he helped the Maltese people in difficult times. A pilgrimage with his statue was even carried out when Malta was deemed free from cholera.

His relic is found in the Parish Church of Floriana.

The Annual Feast

The liturgic feast of St. Publius is the 22nd of January. The traditional Maltese feast is however celebrated on the second Sunday after Easter. It is the first feast on the Maltese calendar.

During the feast a procession with his statue is carried out through the streets of Floriana, together with the playing of classical religious music in the church, in particular O Melitae digna proles, composed by Vincenzo Bugeja.

You can listen to this music by downloading the following file. Just click on the link below.

Download

O Melitae Digna Proles

O Melitae digna Proles

Princeps et Antistes noster

Publi, Athenis clara lux,

fer quasesumus Christi,

gratiae patrocinium,

ut de hostibus animae

et corporis triumphantes;

ad vitae aeternae praemium

pervenire valeamus.

V. Meritis et precibus Beati Publi. Alleluia,

R. Propituis esto Domine clero et populo tuo. Alleluia.

Translated to English

Publius, noble son of Malta,

Our prince and bishop,

Publius, light of Athens,

bless us with

the grace of Christ

so that we can defeat

the enemies of the soul and body

and we can receive

the blessing of eternal life.

V. For the prayers of Publius. Alleluia.

R. Lord have mercy on your clergy and people. Alleluia.

You can also listen to another hymn, also dedicated to St. Publius and sung during feasts.

Download