Weekly Photo Challenge : Symbol

Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, and like its neighbour Italy, it is mainly Catholic, and the locals tell us that there are 365 churches on the island.    Everywhere you look there is a church or a dome of yet another church, and you can hear church bells morning and evening.

Church of St Pauls Shipwreck

The church above is dedicated to St Paul, who was shipwrecked in Malta, and is a symbol of the great devotion the people here have for St. Paul, with many churches and places dedicated to him.    This photo was taken at dusk, when there were fireworks over the church, you can see the smoke in the air.   Anyone who has visited Malta will be familiar with the fireworks and festas, which take place in some village or other every weekend, to celebrate their patron saint’s feast day.

When we were flying into Malta a few days’ previously, in the darkness there was a spectacular display of fireworks below us as we came in to land – I think they were put on to welcome us to Malta!!

Church of Our Lady of Liesse

My second church is another symbol of Malta, and Valletta, the Church of our Lady of Liesse, in the Grand Harbour.   It has a special meaning for us as my daughter got married there last week, so to us it will always be a symbol of love and happiness, and our whole family (usually scattered all over the world) were together in one place to celebrate.  One day we hope to go back there and remember that magic week.