What does the Latin phrase “Die Emissionis” signify on Vatican stamps and postmarks, and why is it significant in the Church’s tradition?
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| Day of Redemption – Refers to Easter Sunday |
| Day of Emission – Marks the official release date of a stamp |
| Divine Emissary – Honors papal envoys |
| Day of the Eucharist – Celebrates the institution of the Mass |
Your answer was: Divine Emissary – Honors papal envoys. |
Answer: The Latin phrase “Die Emissionis” translates to “day of issue” and is commonly inscribed on Vatican postmarks to indicate the official release date of a stamp. This phrase is not just a technical term—it reflects the Vatican’s deep-rooted tradition of using liturgical Latin, the sacred language of the Roman Catholic Church, in its official communications and ceremonial expressions.
- The Vatican’s Philatelic and Numismatic Office uses “Die Emissionis” on special postmarks to commemorate the launch of significant stamp issues, such as those celebrating Easter, papal anniversaries, or diplomatic milestones.
- For example, the 2024 stamp commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the United States featured a postmark with the inscription:
- “POSTE VATICANE – DIE EMISSIONIS 16.09.2024”.
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