Adelaide M. Zerafa (St Publius, June 19) should not base her arguments on partial and very often erratic information. First of all, St Publius belongs to all Malta and not just to Floriana. His cult goes back to at least since Count Roger the Norman. He was deeply venerated by the Order of St John. There are many churches with his effigy and statues abound. The negative approach to one of Malta's patron saints originated from misguided antagonism after Floriana became an independent parish in the mid-19th century.

To answer the lady in more detail: St Beda wrote about many saints. This was also the case of Jacobus de Voragine in his "Golden Legend" who first mentioned a number of saints, including St Anne and St George. It was not St Beda who caused the mix up, but the greatest confusion had been caused by Dionysius Exiguus (5th and 6th century) who is reputed to have invented the Anno Domini. This scholar ignored the hiatus in the Jewish calendar after the Romans caused the great Jewish Diaspora.

Regarding his birth, it is easy to remember that the Romans had even kept Herod's family to rule Galilee as clearly stated in the Gospels. After the Punic Wars the Maltese were made full citizens of Rome which honour included the right to have their own leaders. Malta was not a colony, but an integral part of the Roman Empire.

People should stop being spiteful and appreciate our noble history. Christianity teaches love, but it seems in Malta the most important doctrine is hate and spite. Just because someone does not like Floriana, he should not fall into the trap of also abhorring St Publius.

I can write ad infinitum to scientifically prove all my points. Publius was Maltese; he was the Prince of the island; he was the first Bishop of Malta and was the same person who suffered martyrdom in Athens. Yes, Publius was the first Maltese saint as per the usage of the Church until the 16th century. Those who do not believe are free to do so, but should not spread any falsity to confuse the public.