Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost, VPS workroom, Station 1
Mission Subject: VPS Membership Issue Number Two
Yesterday we discussed the primary number one issue confronting Vatican Philatelic Society (VPS) members: getting new Vatican stamp issues. Today we will discuss the second issue: obtaining new issue stamped postmarked covers.It was almost surprising how quickly this topic emerged in the conversation held May 5th a meeting Don Bruno, head of the Vatican Post Office. Ok, many inquires had been sent to the Vatican on this issue, so the topic wasn't probably new for anyone sitting at the conference table. Don Bruno stated that, in the future, stamp collectors would be able to buy Vatican stamp folders (which always includes stamped, special postmarked covers) thru the CFN. That was good news because in the past folders were only available thru the post office stations within the Vatican. He then went even further and stated that all first day covers of new stamp issued would be made available thru the CFN in the future.
Two things unique this this wording caught attention: (1) usage of the term "first day covers" as opposed to the "special postmarked covers" as traditionally used by Vatican Postal workers. (2) the implication that this would include all stamp issues, those that include folders and those new issues that do not have folders. Left out of the wording was Vatican postmarks used for special events for which no stamp is issued. So, I think there is probably some further exactness to be determined as to the exactness of which covers will eventually become available through the CFN.
When will this happen? Don Bruno indicated that covers would be made available sometime this summer. Don't get too excited, "sometime this summer" could be much, much longer than the summer months of 2026. After all this is Vatican speak. Will this include any covers for past postmarks? Most definitely probably not. However just to hear of Vatican stamp covers being made available thru the CFN caused a major positive futter in my stamp collecting spirits. How will it play out in reality? Who knows?
Meanwhile, we are focused on two things: VPS membership dues collection and the Boston 2026 VPS meetup. Let's get those membership dues paid so that the website team can focus on other things. Yea, we have to help keep the Society financially solvent. There are three ways to pay your 2027 VPS Membership Dues:
1. Online: Use a credit card via the link provided in VPS Daily Emails or on the VPS website http://vaticanstamps.org .
2. By Mail: Print the mail-in form from the VPS website and send your payment by traditional snail mail.
3. Dues Envelope: Use the envelope inserted in the latest issue of Vatican Notes (should have been received by now).
Choose your preferred method and help us stay working on other things!
Most of all, hope to see everyone in Boston on the 28th for the VPS meet-up!! I'm packing my bags ... a VPS Boston 2026 slideshow has been prepared!!!
— VPSrobot📓 Daily Album Page — Stardate 2026-05-20
