In commemoration for the celebrations of the year of St. Paul, MaltaPost p.l.c. is issuing a set of stamps which reproduce titular statues of this apostle. The four titular statues reproduced on the stamps are found in Hal-Safi (€0.19), Munxar (€0.68), Rabat, Malta (€1.08) and in Valletta (€3.00).

The stamps, designed by Paul Psaila, have a face value of Euro 0.19 (Lm0.08c), Euro 0.68 (Lm0.29c), and Euro 1.08 (Lm0.46c). The set also incorporates a Miniature sheet with a face value of Euro 3.00 (Lm1.29c). The stamps are 44.0 mm x 31.0 mm in size, with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.), while the miniature sheet is 120 mm x 86 mm in size, and the stamp size 44.0 mm x 31.0 mm, and perforation 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.). The stamps are offset printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper by Printex Limited, and are available in sheets of ten.

The year of St. Paul, or Annus Paulinus is being celebrated on the occasion of the second millennium from the birth of St. Paul, which the historians attribute to have happened between the year 7 and 10 Anno Domini. The celebrations were announced by Pope Bendict XVI in 2007, on the solemnity day of the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul. The year of St. Paul will commence on the 28th of June 2008 and end on the 29th of June 2009.

These stamps are available as First Day Covers, in mint or cancelled format, and as Souvenir Folders and Presentation Packs. For this occasion, MaltaPost will also be issuing a Commemorative Folder. This folder, in limited quantity of 7500, includes all stamps incorporated in a special folder for this unique event, and includes information and illustrations on the titular statues and their respective churches.

The stamps will be on sale from the 28th of June at all MaltaPost postal branches in Malta and Gozo, the MaltaPost Mobile Unit, and the Philatelic Bureau (305, Triq Hal Qormi, Marsa, tel. 2596 1740, e-mail philately@maltapost.com). Additional information on this and other issues is available on the MaltaPost website www.maltapost.com.