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St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) is the founder of the Oratorians and known for his ability as a confessor to read secrets of the heart. He also founded Chiesa Nuova (Santa Maria in Vallicella). Neri developed an immense personal following of rich and poor. He received visions and underwent periods of ecstasy while saying Mass. Neri is sometimes referred to as the "Apostle of the City of Rome." Historian Donald Attwater writes Neri "sought to restore healthy and vigorous life among Roman Christians... [and preached] more about love and spiritual integrity than about physical austerity." His feast day is celebrated on May 26. St. Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa of Jesus (1515-1582), is the founder of the Discalced Carmelites. She entered a Carmelite convent where she suffered from ill health and periods of ecstasy, experiences which she described as a piercing of her heart by a spear. St. Teresa formed a convent following strict Carmelite rules (1562). She traveled around Spain forming similar communities. St. Teresa led the movement for Carmelite monastic reform, along with St. John of the Cross. St. Teresa was elevated to Doctor of the Church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, the first woman to be so honored. Her feast day is celebrated on October 15. St. Philip Neri and St. Teresa of Avila were depicted on a single €2,30 stamp issued in sheet of 10. The stamp was illustrated with the paintings by Spanish artist Raúl Berzosa Fernández. The €2,30 value was the rate for Priority Post to Africa, Asia, and America. 
St. Phillip Neri was also commemorated on Vatican City Scott 995 (1995) and St. Teresa of Avila was previously commemorated on Vatican City, Scott 710-712 (1982). Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1605 - 1605 Date Issued - 19 November 2015 Face Value - €2,30 Perforations - 13-1/4 x 13-1/4 Printing Process - Offset Printer - Cartor (France) Max Printed - 150,000 |
| (Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 64 Issue: 367 Page: 4-6) |
