Christmas stamp highlights 60 years of PHL-Vatican ties

A set of Christmas 2010 stamps highlighting the 60 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Holy See has reached the Vatican. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday the Philippine Embassy to the Vatican has received the stamps, which the Philippine Postal Corp. issued on November 23. "Presenting the special Christmas stamp to the public serves to recall the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See which has been marked by fruitfulness in fostering dialogue and promoting the gospel values for all peoples," Ambassador Mercedes Tuason remarked after receiving the Christmas stamps. The DFA said in an article posted on its website that "the special Christmas stamp 2010 hopes to highlight not only the diplomatic relations, but also the special bond of communion between the Vatican and the Philippines centered on the Holy Family." Earlier, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the special Christmas stamp 2010 "hopes to highlight not only the diplomatic relations but also the special bond of communion between the Holy See (Vatican) and the Philippines centered on the Holy Family." Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi became the first Apostolic Nuncio on 9 April 1951, and Manuel Moran became the first Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See when he presented his Letters of Credence to Pope Pius XII on June 4, 1951. Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See had been fruitful in fostering dialogue and promoting the gospel values for all peoples, the CBCP said. During the presidency of Elpidio Quirino, the Apostolic Delegation to the Philippines was raised to the status of Nunciature. Nativity scene The DFA said the Christmas stamps feature the traditional Belen, representing the Nativity scene with the Infant Jesus being watched over by the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. One of the four Christmas stamps feature the Holy Family in Filipino attire with the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as the background. Designed by Michelangelo, the dome of St. Peter's Basilica looms over the papal altar where the relics of Saint Peter are venerated. "This design was chosen to commemorate the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Philippines, which will be celebrated in 2011," the DFA said. The CBCP also noted the three “parols" (Christmas lanterns) on the upper left-corner of the stamps represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. – VVP, GMANews.TV