Maritime Malta series III stamps released by Malta Post

Malta Post has issued three stamps which form series III of its Maritime Malta series looking at the island's maritime history. The three stamps feature 'ex voto' stamps of the Madonna of Mellieha. 'Ex Voto' refers to the Latin term 'from the vow made' and refers to the Roman Catholic custom of making an offering at a church or shrine in thanks for a favour received from God or a saint.

The first stamp (€0.51) shows a representation of a promise made by Captain Giuseppe Giacomo and his crew on the ship 'Concezione' which encountered a terrible storm in 1835 on the coast of Alexandria. A huge wave broke part of the boat and in terror, crew members prayed to the Madonna of Melliea and found themselves in safer waters.

Next (€0.82) is a painting relating to Giovanni Ellul who was shipwrecked on a river at Devripul. After praying to the Madonna he and his fellow crew members were guided into safe waters the following day.

The final stamp (1 Euro) features an Ex-Voto made by Captain Giuseppe Diacono and his crew of the Speronara 'S.Francesco di Paula' to the Madonna when their rudder broke somewhere between Linosa and Lampedusa on 9 December 1843.

Each of the ex votos featured can be seen at the Sanctuary of our Lady in the village of Mellieha, Malta.

Issue details

Issue date: 29 July 2015
Designer: Malta Post PLC
Perforation: 14.2 x 14.2
Process: Offset
Size: 48mm x 38.5mm

To purchase the stamps, visit the Malta Post website.

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(Images copyright Malta Post)