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Proclamation of the Dogma of the Assumption Scott 143-144 (1951) In his article on the Stamps of Vatican City, which appeared in the National Philatelic Museum's book for its Marian Year Exhibit in 1954, William Wonneberger describes the stamps released to commemorate the Declaration of the Dogma of the Assumption as follows: [The] Vatican Postal Administration released a set of two stamps on May 8, 1851. A Dogma is the proclaiming of a certain truth by the Pope, and it is to be accepted and believed by all of the Catholic Church. A Dogma never is declared on the spur of the moment. Many months and more often years are devoted to research and study of the article of faith. Theologians and Cardinals examine the Holy Scriptures and all available documents to ascertain the truth of the belief. Both the pros and cons are heard and the evidence carefully weighed. If, after this long study, the article of faith has been proven a fact it is defined and proclaimed by the reigning Pontiff as an infallible Dogma and must be accepted by the faithful. The belief that was defined and promulgated by Pope Pius XII in 1950, was the Assumption: the belief that upon the death of Mary, the Mother of God, her body as well as her soul rose to heaven on a cloud surrounded by Angels. The Blessed Virgin was the only mortal to be brought to heaven in this manner.In addition to the set issued in 1951, Vatican City also celebrated the Feast of the Assumption with a two stamp set issued in 1977: 
Feast of the Assumption Scott 615-616 (1977) The first stamp depicts the "dormition" of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is defined as "the 'falling asleep' of Mary, the Mother of God, and her being taken up into heaven." The second stamp shows Mary in Heaven. REFERENCES: Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 143-144 Date Issued - 08 May 1951 Face Value - €1.25 Perforations - 14 Printer - The Italian State Printing Works |
