Presentation of a commemorative stamp to mark the 200th anniversary of the Pontifical Institute of Saint Apollinaire
A formative community that transmits the value of faith
A commemorative stamp, issued by the Post and Philately Service of the Governorate of Vatican City State, for the bicentenary of Rome’s Pontifical Institute of Saint Apollinaire was unveiled during a presentation held on Monday afternoon, 4 November. Fr. Luigi Fioriti, Professor of Italian and Latin, outlined the details of the stamp to an audience that included the Institute’s Board of Directors, numerous professors, students, staff members, parents and alumni, at the Institute’s headquarters on Viale Vaticano.
The stamp depicts the building that houses the Institute, below the detail of a mosaic, dating back to 533-548 A.D., that covers the entire apse of the Basilica of Saint Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna. The Church was built precisely to house the mortal remains of the Saint, who is depicted in the mosaic in Bishops’ vestments, his arms raised in prayer, surrounded by evergreen plants, which symbolize eternity.
Although Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate and former student of the Institute, could not participate in the presentation due to institutional engagements, she sent a message to show her closeness and her gratitude for the formation she received, which was read out loud by Fr. Felice Bruno, Office Manager of the Post and Philately Service. Sr. Petrini explained that the decision to dedicate a commemorative stamp to the anniversary was “a tangible sign of recognition of the Institute’s value and role in these 200 years, not only at the service of the Holy See, but also of the city of Rome and civil society”.
Over these 200 years, Sr. Petrini noted, the school “has carried out its task, with the awareness that this mission goes beyond just learning because it is a formative community that also aims to transmit the fundamental message of faith: Christ, dead and risen, the beginning and end of all things created”.
The Secretary General highlighted that the stamp is an expression of gratitude to all those who work for the Institute, especially, teachers. With their passion and their energy, teachers work hard to educate students and to help them mature, with Christian humanism, thus fostering their development.
After the stamp was unveiled, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, presided over a Eucharistic celebration that concluded the year of events dedicated to the 200th anniversary, which began on 4 November 2023. Concelebrating with him were, Msgr. Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome, and Msgr. Di Tolve, Auxiliary Bishop.
Below is the link to the text of the Secretary General’s message: MESSAGE
