Wayside chapels stamp set out today

A set of five stamps dedicated to some of the best examples of wayside chapels found in the Maltese countryside is being issued by the philatelic bureau of Maltapost today.

The stamps have been designed by artist Renè Sacco, who has managed to capture in his paintings the essential character of these delightful buildings tucked away in remote corners of the Maltese islands.

The 3c stamp, the lowest value, shows the Lunzjata chapel at Hal Millieri, Zurrieq. The chapel of St Basil at Mqabba is depicted on the 7c stamp and the chapel dedicated to St Cyr at Rabat is shown on the 39c stamp. The 48c value carries a painting of the chapel of Santa Lucija at Mtarfa and the 60c denomination shows the delightful chapel of Santa Marija on Comino island.

Among the numerous religious edifices found on the Maltese islands, these quaint wayside chapels are of particular interest and charm. They are distinguishable by their characteristic simple, humble structure and often secluded location.

Wayside chapels have been a feature of the Maltese landscape for at least 500 years. Their origin dates back to the times when the Maltese islands were much more sparsely populated and the many small isolated farming communities found it necessary to erect their own reachable places of worship. Devotional preferences led to different chapels being erected in close vicinity, contributing to the large number.

Many folktales and legends accompany these chapels. In the past the Church in Malta was immune from civil law jurisdiction and this permitted law breakers to escape the long arm of justice by taking refuge in a church or chapel. In 1828 the British government removed this immunity permanently and many existing chapels still carry a small plaque with the phrase non gode immunita ecclesia on their façades.

Modern urbanisation and development have pushed many of these chapels into oblivion and disuse but their historic interest has been kept alive through the work of authors and organisations with the national heritage at heart.

The stamps are offset printed by Bundesdruckerei GmbH of Berlin. The whole set is in horizontal format, with a size of 43.0mm X 25.5mm, and a perforation of 13.75 X 13.75.

The set is available from all Maltapost branch post offices and from the mobile unit in first day cover format, mint, cancelled, in souvenir folders and in presentation packs.

Additional details are obtainable from the Maltapost philatelic bureau on telephone 2123 9153, or via e-mail philately@maltapost.com.