Heritage Malta and the Department of History of Art at the University of Malta are organising an exhibition of paintings inspired by the life and teachings of St Paul by leading watercolourist John Martin Borg. The exhibition “Reflections on Pauline Theology’ is being organised on the occasion of the Catholic Church’s International Pauline Year.

The exhibition, which proves to be a unique visual and spiritual experience is being held under the distinguished patronage of the Honourable Dr Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta at the Gran Salon of the National Museum of Archaeology, Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta.

John Martin Borg’s paintings will be accompanied by carefully selected archaeological artefacts, many of which are not accessible to the public that will provide the historical context for Early Christian Malta. This combination of art and archaeology is a first for Malta and which handsomely diversifies the exhibition’s appeal. Moreover, an exhibition brochure will accompany the exhibition.

The importance of the Pauline cult to Malta and the Maltese has been an unprecedented one, for St Paul was a key element in the formation of Malta’s national identity and is still omnipresent today. The Maltese staunchly believe that their island can be securely identified with the ‘Melite’ of Acts 28 where the Apostle was shipwrecked on his way to stand trial in Rome in A.D. 60, and that they owe their Christian faith to his evangelisation. This tradition was given even more importance due to Malta’s proximity to and historical ties with Muslim North Africa.

Throughout their long history, they have assiduously and cleverly exploited their Pauline cult for political as well as religious propaganda. The great Pauline Centenary Celebrations of 1960 were, to mention one fairly recent example, a spectacular manifestation of Catholic piety and an occasion of national unity across an acrimonious political divide.

This exhibition which is sponsored by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and Bank of Valletta and with the support of the National Library of Malta is being held under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister.

The exhibition will be open for viewing between 18th March and 30th April in the Gran Salon, National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. The exhibition will be open Monday to Sundays from 9.00 hrs – 17.00 hrs (Last Admission 18.30 hrs).

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