On Friday, October 23, an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of the Philippines was held at the Church and Shrine of St. John Baptist de La Salle in Rome. The event began with the celebration of Holy Mass presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, followed by a ceremony to unveil the commemorative postage stamp issued by the Vatican Postal and Philatelic Service to mark this significant anniversary.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Holy See, H.E. Mr. Raphael Perpetuo Mercado Lotilla, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro.
The Governorate was represented by its Secretary General, Archbishop Emilio Nappa, who recalled the fruitful bonds of friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, the country with the third-largest Christian population in the world. Also in attendance were the Director of Telecommunications and Information Systems, Eng. Antonino Intersimone, and the Head of the Postal and Philatelic Service, Fr. Felice Bruno.
The postage stamp unveiled during the event depicts St. Peter’s Basilica, whose colonnade symbolically embraces an open seashell containing a pearl, an allusion to the Philippines’ designation as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas.” In the background are the flags of the two States and their respective coats of arms, joined at the center by two intertwined cords in alternating colors, symbolizing the bonds and mutual commitment that characterize relations between the two countries.
The following is the address delivered by the Secretary General of the Governorate:
Eminences, Excellencies, Authorities and Honourable Guests,
Good evening
Allow me to extend my greetings in particular
to His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness;
to the Her Excellency Maria Teresa Lazaro, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines;
to His Excellency Raphael Perpetuo Mercado Lotilla, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Holy See;
and to all the guests present today for the unveiling of the commemorative stamp marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of the Philippines, a testament of a long-standing and solid bond of friendship and mutual cooperation.
This stamp, created by the Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican State, celebrates the constant harmony, mutual enrichment, and shared purpose depicting this long friendship. It expresses, in a single image, our common Christian identity and the bonds of fraternity that unite us.
Representing the Governorate of the Vatican City State, we are honored to have contributed to the conception and creation of this commemorative stamp, which marks an important milestone in our relations with the Republic of the Philippines.
Also on behalf of the Director of the Telecommunication and IT Systems, Mr Antonino Intersimone, thank you for your presence and wish you a pleasant evening.
