Tomorrow MaltaPost will issue a set of three stamps featuring figurines of the Baby Jesus found in churches around Malta and Gozo as photographed by Mark Micallef Perconte.

At this time of year, churches are decorated for the festive season and a figurine of the Baby Jesus is a must in every church and chapel throughout the Islands.

On Christmas Eve, a children's procession is held in various towns and villages when the figurine of Baby Jesus is carried shoulder-high as children follow through the streets singing Christmas Carols while carrying lanterns and lights. This tradition dates back to 1921 when the Reverend George Preca (since canonised as a Saint) staged the very first procession in Ħamrun.

The stamps will be issued in sheets of 10 stamps, with each stamp measuring 44mm x 31mm, having a comb perforation of 14.0 x 13.9 and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measure 185mm x 115mm were printed in the offset process by Printex Ltd. The issue consists of 500,000 of the €0.28 stamp, 80,000 of the €0.59 stamp and 28,000 of the €0.63 stamp.

The set will be available for sale as from tomorrow from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost plc, 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001.