A replica in gold of St Gorg Preca Lm1 / EUR 2.33 stamp was presented to Pope Benedict XVI on Monday by Monsignor Alfred Xuereb, on the initiative of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

Monsignor Xuereb is a priest from the Gozitan diocese who carries out duties at the Casa della Prefettura Apostolica (the Papal household) at the Vatican. Bishop Grech had been

requested by Maltapost to make arrangements for the presentation on their behalf. His Holiness blessed the stamp replica and expressed his appreciation for the gift from Maltapost.

This first gold replica stamp is one of only three minted for the occasion. Of the other two, one is to be auctioned, with proceeds going to the Dar tal-Providenza, and the third is being retained by Maltapost for eventual exhibition in the Maltapost postal museum. Maltapost has also issued for the first time ever a limited edition of 2,000 silver replica stamps bearing the same image of Dun Gorg in one of his characteristic poses, and with the chapel of the Society of Christian Doctrine in the background. The stamp, also a replica of the Lm1 / EUR 2.33 stamp, weighs 20 grams, and is being issued in Brilliant Uncirculated (Proof-like) condition. Its size is 35.0mm x 35.0mm, with a thickness of 1.53mm.

Struck in 99.9% silver and individually numbered, the silver stamp is available in a presentation box and with a Certificate of Authenticity, and will sell for Lm15 / EUR 34.94, VAT included. In addition to this silver replica stamp, Maltapost also issued 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 are designed by Edward D. Pirotta and offset printed by Printex Limited of Qormi on paper watermarked with Maltese Crosses. The face values are 8c / EUR 0.19 and Lm1 / EUR 2.33. 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 stamps.