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On Sept. 25, 1962, the Vatican issued four stamps in two designs to commemorate the 6th International Christian Archeological Congress which met at Ravenna Sept.23-28, 1962. The 40 and 100 Lire values pictured part of a bas-relief of a Christian sarcophagus found in the Cemetery of Domitilla on the Via Ardeatina in Rome. The center of the relief shows the cross surmounted by the Chi Rho, symbol of Christ, surrounded with a triumphal crown. Two soldiers sleep at the foot of the cross. The triumph of the Cross of Christ is indicated, Christ's victory over death and sin, the Cross Unconquered. The 20 and 70 Lire values reproduce a marble slab from a young boy's grave, which bears the pictures of Saints Peter and Paul, each with his name inscribed beside it, and the Chi Rho above the name of Peter. Both of these pieces are from the first century of Christianity and are found in the Lateran Museum. Cf. stamps commemorating the 4th International Christian Archeological Congress held at Rome in 1938, Vatican #55-60, which show the Crypt of St. Cecelia in the Catacombs of St. Callixtus on the Apian Way, and the Basilica of Saints Nereus and Acchileus in the Catacombs of Domitilla on the Vi Ardeatina, Rome. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 341 - 344 Date Issued - 25 September 1962 Face Value - 20 l, 40 l, €1.25, 70 l, 100 l Perforations - 14 Printer - The Italian State Printing Works |
| (From Vatican Notes Volume XVI, Number 3, November - December 1967, Page 2) |
