Archbishop Diarmuid Martin unveiling World Meeting of Families commemorative stamps issued by An Post

CHURCH

Snail mail mementoes of Pope’s visit to Ireland

Souvenir mementoes of Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Ireland – including two stamps, a First Day Cover, Miniature and Souvenir Sheet, and commemorative postcards – are now available through An Post, Ireland’s postal service.

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

An Post has released two stamps to commemorate Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit to Ireland and the World Meeting of Families, which takes place on August 25 and 26. The stamps and other memorabilia went on sale on July 26.

Stamps

An Post issued two stamps in view of the papal trip. 500,000 € 1 stamps were printed bearing an image of Pope Francis releasing a dove. An international stamp, which costs € 1,50, was also issued with a print run of 100,000. Pictured on this stamp is a family walking along a beach. An Post expects “strong demand” for the stamps which were designed by Vermillion Design of Dublin.

Other memorabilia

An Post also released a World Meeting of Families “First Day Cover” which contains both stamps, a Miniature Sheet and Souvenir sheet of four stamps as well as information regarding where World Meeting of Families events are taking place in Ireland. All of the “snail mail” mementoes are also available online, as An Post expects there to be international interest among stamp collectors in addition to pilgrims attending the World Meeting of Families who are looking for affordable and easy-to-carry souvenirs.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin participated in the unveiling of the postal memorabilia. He said that the stamps pay fitting tribute to what he describes as “a memorable and uplifting visit of Pope Francis to the World Meeting of Families in Ireland – a visit that presents a great opportunity for the Church and the country."

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