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This series of stamps, comprised of three values, was issued on July 2, 1976 to commemorate the Congress to be held in Philadelphia from August 1 - 8. The 150-lire stamp, expressing the universal aspect of the Congress, features the Host, an ear of wheat, and the globe of the world. The 200-lire stamp reproduces the emblem adopted by the Congress, with two hands supporting the Host. The 400 lire, as an expression of the hunger for the Eucharist, reproduces human figures directing their gaze and stretching out their hands towards the Host. They are all vertical in form, measure 30 x40 mm., have 13-1/4 x 14 perforations, and are printed in sheets of 40. They are printed by copper engraving in several colors on white glossy paper, and done by the Polygraphic Institute of the Italian State. The indication of the value is on the top and beneath is the inscription PHILADELPHIA 1976. Around the margin is printed XLI CONGRESSO EUCARISTICO INTERNAZIONALE, and below, the words POSTE VATICANE. Designed and engraved by Tullio Mele. the printing amounts to 1,350,000 complete sets. The 41st Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia featured an exhortation by Pope Paul's representative Cardinal Knox to turn to Christ in the Eucharist, and an appeal from Mother Theresa of Calcutta to comfort the unwanted and many calls for international justice. Over 400,000 people took part in the opening ceremonies on Benjamin Franklin Parkway to dedicate themselves, in the name of Christ, to help alleviate the spiritual and physical hunger of the world. Many Cardinals were present from throughout the world, together with Bishops, religious and lay people for this expression of faith that takes place every four years. President Ford took part in the closing ceremonies, in which he praised the event as "an inspiring demonstration of all the world's hunger for peace and understanding". Citizens of more than 100 nations were represented in common purpose and common prayer. Pope Paul addressed the Congress via satellite and dwelt on the concept of "mystery" in the Eucharist. He said "The mystery of His sacramental, but real and living presence, Jesus, the teacher of humanity, is here. He is calling for you. Yes, He is calling you, each one by name." The Congress was the latest in a series that began in 1881 in Lillie, France, and the prior one four years ago in Melbourne, Australia. The closing ceremonies stressed that all came together to witness a deepening of the faith, particularly on the congress theme -"The Eucharist and the Hungers of the Human Family". |
| (From Vatican Notes Volume XXV, Number 2, September - October 1976, Pages 1 & 10) |
