Maltese Festa

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary since Pope Pius IX proclaimed Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. First appearing in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, Saint Joseph is known as the earthly father of Jesus Christ and the spouse of the Virgin Mary.

Various communities around Malta and Gozo celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph on different dates, however the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Joseph on 19 March. This day is also a public holiday in Malta.

This issue features a set of twenty stamps depicting some of the different statues of Saint Joseph found in various churches around Malta and Gozo.

Birkirkara St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church - Titular Feast

Kalkara Parish Church - Titular Feast

Manikata Parish Church - Titular Feast

Msida Parish Church - Titular Feast

Qala Parish Church, Gozo - Titular Feast

Rabat Church of the Blessed Virgin Principal Feast

Xaghra Basilica, Gozo - Co-Patron

Birgu Collegiate Church - Confraternity

Birkirkara Basilica of St. Helen - Confraternity

Cospicua Collegiate Church - Confraternity

Ghajnsielem Parish Church, Gozo Secondary Feast

Ghaxaq Parish Church - Secondary Feast

Hamrun, St. Cajetan Parish Church

Kirkop Parish Church - Secondary Feast

Mosta Basilica - Confraternity

Qormi St. George Collegiate Church - Confraternity

Valletta Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel -Confraternity

Zebbug Parich Church - Secondary Feast

Zejtun Parish Church - Confraternity

Zurrieq Parish Church - Confraternity