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Introduction to Pilgrimages to Malta
Catholic Pilgrimage to Malta - Islands of Knights and Saints Dear friends, At the heart of the Mediterranean is the Maltese archipelago only 60 miles south of Sicily. From its first inhabitants, who built the colossal temples close to 7000 years ago, to the Knights of St. John, who’s Order created the first missionary state of a victorious Europe, Malta must have been an impressive island. It is still today, so many centuries later, a very special place thanks to the warmth of it is people, who radiate the typical Mediterranean spontaneity and joy in life. As you step into its history, you step into the timeless magic of a truly unique destination. As Catholics, we increasingly feel the need to become acquainted with the places that witnessed events of such decisive importance in the history of humanity. In the year 60 AD, the galleon on which the Apostle Paul was being taken to Rome as a prisoner awaiting trial, ran aground on the shores of Malta. From the seed St. Paul planted during his three month stay came forth one of the most unique Catholic cultures in the world. This overwhelmingly Catholic country has 360 churches and many rival those of Rome. Many of the oldest Catholic traditions of Europe still survive here. The Maltese people have a rich and deep faith that has helped them through many perilous times across the centuries. They suffered greatly during the defense of Malta at the Great Siege of 1565 and the WW II siege of 1942. And yet, this small nation carries its faith forward into the 21st century as a beacon of Christ’s light to the world. I hope you will join us for a wonderful adventure on the storybook island of Malta, a country little known to American travelers, yet well known to Catholics who have marveled at how this tiny country has managed to keep it’s faith in a secular world. There will be no caravan of buses on these adventures; I have limited the tour to 26 people so you can maximize your time experiencing the sights and sounds of Malta without feeling hurried. Please feel free to call me with any questions you might have about this tour. I can be reached at 540-660-2171. With your confirmation packet, I will send you a wonderful DVD on Malta. I hope you will join me on this special journey to the heart of the Mediterranean. See you in Malta! Bill Williams
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