The second Saint Paul

The canonisation ceremony for Dun Gorg Preca was extensively reported in the Maltese media. From MaltaMediaNews:

"San Gorg is the first saint of your sweet island. He is your second father after St. Paul," Pope Benedict XVI said at the end of the Sunday mass which led to the canonisation of Dun Gorg Preca. The bad weather did not keep thousands from flocking to Peter's Square to participate in the two-hour long function led by Pope Benedict XVI. However it is estimated that approximately 20,000 pilgrims made it to the Square in contrast to the 30,000 tickets which were given out. Five thousand Maltese pilgrims attended Dun Ġorġ Preca's canonisation ceremony at the Vatican.

The thousands of Maltese soaked in the rain in St. Peter?s Square cheered every time the name of Gorg Preca was mentioned during the celebration. Some of them waved Maltese flags...In his homily, Pope Benedict XVI asked San Gorg to help both the Maltese and international Church be the faithful echo of Christ. The offertory on behalf of the Maltese was presented by the two MUSEUM Superior Generals and Amadeo Preca, a relative of San Gorg Preca..

Maltese living in Brussels and Luxembourg joined other pilgrims in Rome. Local airline company Air Malta carried out extra flights to meet the increased demand for the Maltese pilgrims traveling to Rome for the canonisation ceremony on Saturday. Organisers emphasized that the garments; a package including a cap, scarf, badge and booklet must be worn during the function so that Maltese and Gozitan pilgrims could be distinguished from others of other nations. Maltese pilgrims attended a prayer vigil on Saturday 2nd June which was held at Basilica Sta Maria Maggiore in Rome...