Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents what Padre Pelagio Mifsud Gauci Piscopo (1708–1781) wrote about the origins of the cult of St Publius both in Rome and in Malta, followed by a list of the miracles performed through the Saint’s intercession during the period mentioned by Padre Pelagio in his writings about the saint. In so doing, we will try to show how Padre Pelagio’s writings on St Publius are an affirmation of those characteristics which, according to him, identify Malta as a distinct nation, with its own history, beliefs, traditions and language. In other words, Padre Pelagio’s writings on this Saint are related to ulterior motives, namely, the search for the roots of a national identity that includes, among others, the element of Christianity, bestowed by St Paul the Apostle, and transmitted from one generation to another in spite of the long Arabic domination.
Source: Religions
DOI: 10.3390/rel16050545
Author: Martin Micallef
Institution: University of Malta
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4409775520