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On October 11, 1966, the Vatican issued six stamps to mark the closing of the II Vatican Council. The inscription around three sides of the stamp is translated: THE II VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL CLOSED IN THE YEAR 1965. The special First Day Cancellation is the one that has been in use for this purpose for the past year. The Lire 10 shows Pope John XXIII being carried in the "sedia gestatoria" or portable throne, recalling the opening of the II Vatican Council on October 11, 1962, during the reign of the Roncalli Pope. The Lire 15 shows an enthroned book of the Gospels, reading, as best I can describe: INCIPIT EVANGELIUM SECUNDAM IOANNEM (Here begins the Gospel according to John), which contains the prayer of Christ at the Last Supper: "That they all may be one...." The Lire 55 shows the concelebrated Mass on the Papal Altar over the tomb of St. Peter, under Bernini's canopy, which was offered at the end of the Council. The Lire 90 shows Pope Paul VI giving the Kiss of Peace to a bishop of the Eastern Rite, who could be either orthodox or uniate. The Lire 100 features the ring which was received by all prelates attending the II Vatican Council. These are gold plated and were donated by a manufacturer of Milan, and were to symbolize the bond uniting Pope Paul with the bishops. There are three figures on the ring beneath the Greek cross, which even on the ring itself are hard to distinguish. Presumably, the central figure is Christ, and the other two are St. Peter and St. Paul. The Lire 130 shows Pope Paul VI being carried on the portable throne in front of St. Peter's. Note the crosier which the Pope carries has a crucifix at the top instead of the usual pastoral crook. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 439 - 444 Date Issued - 11 October 1966 Face Value - 10 l, 15 l, 55 l, €1.25, 90 l, 100 l, 130 l Perforations - 14 Printer - The Italian State Printing Works |
| (From Vatican Notes Volume XV, Number 4, January - February 1967, Pages 1-2) |
