Guide To Maltese Religion
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While much of Maltese culture is an amalgamation of the different societies that have come and gone from power in the country, its religion has remained constant. Not only is Roman Catholicism the most prominent religion in the Republic of Malta, it is also the official state religion as declared by the country’s constitution.
St. Paul
Historically, it is said that Saint Paul once shipwrecked on Malta, during which time he converted the Roman population to Christianity. It is believed that from this episode, many of the country’s traditions can be traced. Celebrations of religion include outdoor processions, reenactments, band marches and extravagant firework displays.
Religion and Everyday Life
Today, approximately 98 per cent of Malta’s population adheres to Catholicism. Also, it is estimated that there is one church per one thousand residents of the island country, and these buildings play an important role in the lives of those residents. Being a devout population, most attend mass at least once per week.
Religious Art
Many Maltese churches are noted for their beautiful architecture, striking domed roofs and intricate artwork. Sculptures of religious icons, colorful paintings and frescoes also represent the country’s faith.
Mdina's St. Paul's Cathedral
Some of the most notable examples of religious art can be found in Mdina at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Supposedly built on the site where St. Paul originally met the Maltese governor, Publius, the church has been rebuilt several times. Today, ornate frescoes adorn the church’s arched ceilings, and these paintings represent such important religious iconography as Madonna and Child and St. Paul’s shipwreck.
The Mosta Dome
The Rotunda of Mosta is another of Malta’s important religious buildings. One of the world’s largest unsupported domes, this church was built in the 1800s over the site of an earlier church. This church is also famous for surviving a bombing in World War II when a bomb broke through the dome and landed inside without exploding.
While functioning as the country’s religious gathering places, Malta’s churches also act as museums of the great history and artwork of the area.
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