2016-11-17 Thu

Australian and Croatian stamps honoring Christmas and Easter, together received the 2016 St. Gabriel award for the best religious stamp issued in 2015.

Sonia Kretschmar designed Australia’s Christmas souvenir sheet which was released on 30th October 2015 featuring a Nativity scene and the arrival of the magi, also known as the three wise men.

Animals in different colours, and a scarlet-colored angel sounding a trumpet are also depicted on the stamp.

The Croatian Easter stamp which was issued on 16th March 2015 features the chalice of the Church of St. Euphemia at Rovinj. Crucifix and chalice interact, showing the moment when heaven and earth become one, as the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist come to earth to nourish the church and its members.

The award was established in 1969 in Verona, and is named after “the Lord’s postman,” St. Gabriel.