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 Aerogramme 1999 The Trinitarians On May 25, 1999, Vatican City issued its annual aerogramme. For 1999, the aerogramme celebrates the Trinitarian Order and commemorated the 800th anniversary of the Approval of the Rule of the Order in 1198, and the 400th centenary of its Reform in 1599. The design of the aerogramme provides some interesting symbolism. The cachet on the left shows the emblem of the Trinitarians breaking a chain, symbolizing the release from slavery and bondage for all people. The emblem comes from a mosaic showing Jesus liberating two captives, one white-skinned and one black-skinned. The mosaic was commissioned by Saint John of Matha, one of the founders of the Trinitarians, and is based on a vision he had during his first Mass.  Symbol of the Trinitarian Order Mosaic, circa 1210 From Wikimedia Commons, in the Public Domain The blue and red cross in the bottom right represents the flag and symbol of the Trinitarians. The postal indicia in the upper right corner of the aerogramme shows a painting of the ordination of Saint John Matha in 1192. Here is a second painting depicting both his ordination and first Mass, a work by Vicente Carducho that appears in the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid:  "Ordination and First Mass of Saint John of Matha" Painting by Vicente Carducho From Wikimedia Commons, in the Public Domain The Order of the Trinitarians, formally known as the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, was founded by St. John of Matha (Juan de Matha), along with Felix of Valois, in 1193. Saint John’s vision mentioned above motivated him to establish the ministry to ransom and release Christians held captive by Muslims resulting from the Crusades and piracy along the Mediterranean coast. The Rule of the Trinitarians was focused on building good relations between Christians and the followers of Islam, with a goal of offering “an evangelical alternative to the clangor of arms and grievous series of holy wars: crusades and jihad”. At a time when war and violence became the means for resolving disputes between followers of the two religions, the Trinitarians “chose an alternative of humanitarian service: a choice of peace, an ideal and a practical strategy to proclaim tolerance, peaceful coexistence, humanitarian aid, and Christian solidarity” (quotes taken from the UFN announcement in the References). In addition, each local community of Trinitarians resolved to extend their ministry to provide care of the sick, comfort and support to the poor, to establish churches and schools, and to evangelize. REFERENCES: |
