A silver replica stamp bearing the image of Saint Gorg Preca in one of his

characteristic poses, and with the chapel of the Society of Christian Doctrine in the background, is being issued by the Philatelic Bureau of Maltapost plc on 28 May, to mark the canonisation of Dun Gorg by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on 3 June.

These stamp, a replica of the Lm1/ EUR2.33 stamp of the San Gorg Preca Stamp Issue, and which weighs 20 grams, is a “first” for Maltapost and for Maltese postal history. It is being issued in Brilliant Uncirculated (Proof-like) condition. Its size will be 35.0mm x 35.0mm, with a thickness of 1.53mm.

The silver stamp is struck in 99.9 per cent silver and is individually numbered, and the issue is limited to a maximum of 2,000 pieces. The stamp is available in a presentation box and a Certificate of Authenticity, and it will sell for Lm15 / EUR34.94, VAT included. Order forms for the silver replica stamps may be obtained from any Maltapost Retail Outlet.

In addition to this silver replica stamp, Maltapost will also be issuing a two-stamp set showing identical images of Dun Gorg and the Blata l-Bajda chapel of the Society of Christian Doctrine headquarters. The stamps, which are being issued on the same date, are designed by Edward D. Pirotta and offset printed by Printex Limited of Qormi on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper. The face values are 8c / EUR0.19 and Lm1.00 / EUR2.33.

The stamps are 35.0mm x 35.0mm in size, with a perforation of 14.28 x 14.28 (comb), and will be available in sheets of 10.

Additional details regarding both the silver replica stamp and the standard issue stamps are available from the Philatelic Bureau of Maltapost plc (telephone 2596 1747, e-mail [email protected]), or from the Maltapost website www.maltapost.com .

In addition, the standard issue stamps will be on sale, as First Day covers, in mint or

cancelled format, and in Presentation Packs or Souvenir Folder format, from all Maltapost postal retail outlets in Malta and Gozo.