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The Vatican Philatelic Society is happy to welcome another new member to VPS: We wish Michael many years of happiness and fulfillment as a member of VPS! The third quarter issue of the VPS journal, Vatican Notes, has been delayed due a number of unforeseen issues. The Notes are in the final stages of preparation and hopefully will be out to the membership within the next couple of weeks. 
 Bicentenary of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps Scott 1622-1623 (2016) On Saturday, October 3, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass and met with the members of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens. This is an annual event to commemorate the feast of the patron of the Corps, Saint Michael the Archangel. We do not hear much about the Gendarmerie Corps, which is somewhat overshadowed by the Pontifical Swiss Guards. Founded in 1816, the Gendarmerie can be viewed as a military or paramilitary force primarily responsible for carrying out law enforcement and public safety duties in Vatican City. The event last Saturday included fifteen new recruits taking their oath in the presence of the Pope. In addition to Pope Leo, Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, and other civil and Church dignitaries, attended the ceremony. |
