Malta, St Paul's Grotto, Part II of journey

Back in the car and we were off to Rabat and St Paul’s Grotto. Now, as a child, I remember my mother telling me that St Paul had shipwrecked on Malta and converted the island to Christianity. This is 50ish AD… so, long, long time ago. There was a cave, connected to catacombs that St Paul had stayed at for 90 days. We were going to be able to visit there… and at the church above the area.

We got there, and chatted about the Maltese Pastizzi’s (Pastizzi are a Maltese food made up of diamond shape pastries with filling) as we were driving. Ray got us his favorites with Ricotta Cheese as soon as we parked. They were delish… however, I was so excited, got ready to say something, sucked air in, along with little flakes of pastry and boy, did I cough/choke like a pro. I could hardly get my breath… Ray got some water and after about 5 minutes I calmed down… dang, I hate it when that happens!

So, back to St Paul… We went to the church and down to the grotto area. It was quite overwhelming to think he had been there. Plus, you see the catacombs in the sides of the walls. Pope John Paul had been there years ago and prayed in the very room. We could take photos, but as I reviewed my pics, I noticed, I hardly took any… just didn’t have the ‘tourist’ brain on… was feeling more of the emotion there. The hallway outside of the area where Paul was, was part of the prison. Now, you can see holes in the ceilings/wall where chains and ropes were attached. So weird seeing and experiencing all that. The church above, was also beautiful. To this day, St Paul’s Christianity teaching is still the predominate religion in Malta… very, very few Muslims, which surprised me. The church in Malta was thrown for a loop this past spring, when the people finally voted to allow divorce.

My choking and gasping started here, while I was getting to view St Paul's.... grrrrrr

The plaque was commenmerating where Pope John Paul had knelt (for a loooonnnnnggggg time) and prayed.  He was quite moved in the grotto.  Obviously, the statue erected represents St Paul... not sure when it was placed there.
Right below, is one of the catacombs leading into the grotto...

Notice the holes in the ceiling... chains and ropes were attached here for prisoners...

Can't tell, but that's a painting honoring St Paul,,, He died a few years after his stay here.