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To honor the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vatican issued a commemorative stamp on February 27, 2025, celebrating the enduring legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul and his spiritual descendants, the Vincentians. The €1.30 stamp features a close-up portrait of Saint Vincent de Paul, whose compassionate ministry to the poor in 17th-century France gave rise to a global movement of charity and evangelization. Beside his image appears the official logo of the anniversary: a stylized burning heart and flame, symbolizing the Vincentian charism of fervent love, self-giving service, and missionary zeal.
Printed by Bpost in Belgium using four-color offset on gummed white paper, the stamp measures 40 x 30 mm and is issued in sheets of 10, with a total print run of 32,000. The design captures the essence of Vincentian spirituality—rooted in humility, charity, and a deep commitment to the marginalized. The motto of the Congregation, Evangelizare pauperibus misit me (He has sent me to bring good news to the poor), echoes through the centuries as a call to action and a testament to the enduring relevance of Saint Vincent’s mission.
Complementing the stamp is a special circular postmark, also dated February 27, 2025, and used at the Vatican’s new post office in St. Peter’s Square. The postmark features a graphic inspired by the Congregation’s logo and includes the inscriptions 400 ANNI DELLA CONGREGAZIONE DELLA MISSIONE, POSTE VATICANE, and DIE EMISSIONIS 27.02.2025. This philatelic pairing not only marks a historical milestone but also serves as a visual and spiritual tribute to a community that continues to bring the light of the Gospel to the world’s forgotten corners. |
