Historically, Malta is a very Catholic country. This is a result of St. Paul’s shipwreck in Malta on his way to martyrdom in Rome. Every village in Malta has at least one church; some have more. All these churches, as in most of Europe, have been embellished with gold, some on the altars, others more so, on the walls and even ceilings.
The idea had been that churches are houses of God and God deserves the best, that is, gold. I remember, as a child, hearing about a new church being built and the congregation being asked to donate gold, for melting, to be used in church.
Actually, I even remember that happening in Brooklyn when a church was being built in the last century.
This blog annevisitsmalta.com enhances my book Return to Malta by visiting most of the places mentioned in the book with color photos. The book is available through Amazon and other book stores.
Be sure to visit my other blog: annepflugcom.wordpress.com
Anne Visits Malta 
Great post. You wrote this: “The idea had been that churches are houses of God and God deserves the best, that is, gold. ” I did not know this. Thank You for this information. In Finland, we do not have gold. Maybe we are so poor or that we think in different way – I do not know. I am glad that You shared this church with us.
Instead of gold we have for example votive ships and Poor-man statues for example.
Have a good day!
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If you visit most of the cathedrals in Europe, ones that were built during the middle Ages and the Renaissance, they all display lots of gold in the altars. Thanks for the comment.
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I have visited. Gold is everywhere, I agree. Check my newest post and see if there is gold. I have been nearly in every country in Europe. Travelling by car, train and planes. 🙂
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Actually even in Brooklyn, ( in the 50’s) when a new church was being built, the pastor asked the parishioners to donate their gold, wedding rings and such, for a crown to go on Mary’s head.
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Thank You.
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