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3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 FEBRUARY 2026 CULTURE Exhibition on St Paul and Catholic Tradition in Malta opens at the European Parliament EP David Casa has organised an exhibition in the European Par- liament celebrating the legacy of 'St Paul and Catholic Tradition in Malta', which was inaugurat- ed earlier today by Roberta Met- sola, President of the European Parliament. The exhibition reflects on St Paul's shipwreck on the Maltese islands in AD 60 - a pivotal mo- ment that marked the beginning of Christianity in Malta and laid the foundations of a faith that continues to shape Maltese soci- ety, culture, and identity nearly two millennia later. Among the exhibition's high- lights is a reproduction of the 367-year-old titular statue by re- nowned Maltese Baroque sculp- tor Melchiorre Cafà, alongside an informative photographic display and an immersive virtu- al tour of the Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul's Shipwreck, completed in 1570 in Valletta. The inauguration included an address by the Archpriest of the Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul's Shipwreck, Fr David Cilia, with closing remarks delivered by David Casa MEP. Speaking following the open- ing, David Casa said the exhi- bition offers an opportunity to present a defining part of Mal- ta's spiritual and cultural herit- age within the heart of Europe's democratic institutions. "St Paul's arrival in Malta shaped our history and identity in a pro- found and lasting way. This ex- hibition allows us to share that heritage with a European audi- ence and highlight the values that have defined Maltese socie- ty for centuries." The exhibition will remain open throughout the week and is accessible within the Europe- an Parliament. Public Talk at Il-Ħaġar: The Wartime Great Wheat Collection from Gozo SINCE the Maltese and Gozitan population placed their full trust in the British Empire, the enemy was ul- timately doomed. This was achieved despite the many sacrifices the peo- ple were forced to endure. Malta was devastated, and in 1942 defenceless Gozo also became a target of ene- my attacks. Hunger was widespread. Faced with this crisis, the British Government was compelled to take a drastic measure in order to save the islands: the collection of wheat from all farmers. In Gozo, which was more agricultural than Malta, the wheat collection began in June 1942. But who were those who assisted the Government in collecting the wheat from Gozo? What really happened? Was it a success or a failure? These questions and more will be discussed in a public talk by Charles Bezzina at Il-Ħaġar Museum on Sat- urday 7 February at 11:00. Mr Bezzi- na is a renowned researcher on Gozo during the Second World War and has published over 20 books, includ- ing award-winning works. A retired bank manager, he is also an accom- plished poet and an active member of literary societies, as well as of the Imperial War Museum. As always, attendance is free of charge, but seat reservations are encouraged by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt.