Gozo’s Chapels: Stamped with History
In the quaint village of Għajnsielem, Gozo, a humble chapel stands, its walls adorned with a unique collection of stamps. These aren’t just any stamps, but personalized ones, each depicting a different chapel or small church from around the island. But how did these stamps end up here, and what’s their story?
A Stamp Collector’s Dream
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Għajnsielem, the Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto is home to an unusual collection. The walls are not lined with religious art or historical artifacts, but with personalized stamps, each one a miniature work of art depicting a chapel or small church from Gozo. This is no ordinary stamp collection; it’s a visual journey through the spiritual heart of the island.
At the helm of this unique project is Joe Camilleri, a local stamp collector with a passion for preserving Gozo’s heritage. “I’ve always been fascinated by stamps,” he says, “but I wanted to do something different, something that would tell the story of our little island.”
From Chapel to Stamp
Joe’s journey began with a simple idea: to create personalized stamps featuring Gozo’s chapels and small churches. He started with the ones closest to his heart, like the Chapel of the Annunciation in Xagħra, with its iconic dome, and the Chapel of St. Anne in Qala, known for its traditional Gozo stone architecture.
He didn’t stop at the well-known ones. Joe sought out the lesser-known chapels too, like the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in Għasri, nestled among the hills, and the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary in San Lawrenz, a hidden gem near the island’s highest point.
A Labor of Love
Creating these stamps was no easy task. Joe had to find high-quality images, design the stamps, and then have them printed. But his passion for preserving Gozo’s heritage kept him going. “Each stamp is a labor of love,” he says, “a way to honor these beautiful chapels and ensure they’re not forgotten.”
Today, Joe’s collection numbers over 50 stamps, each one a testament to Gozo’s rich religious history. And he’s not done yet. He’s already planning his next set, this time featuring the island’s ancient megalithic temples.
So, the next time you’re in Għajnsielem, make sure to drop by the Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s a gallery of Gozo’s spiritual heritage, one stamp at a time.
