The plague in the public pronouncements of the Bishops of Malta

Abstract

The present work will limit itself to a selection from the public pronouncements of the Ecclesiastical authorities in Malta in reaction to pandemics, traditionally labelled indiscriminately as the plague, from the 17th century to the mid-20th century. It will study the bishops’ reactions to the plague under six aspects that encompass their discourse namely, a theological reading of the plague, ecclesiastical measures to limit contagion, assuring spiritual assistance to the sick, cooperation with civil authorities, promotion of salutary measures, and finally, thanksgiving for divine intervention.