The Vatican Post Office has issued a stamp commemorating St. Anthony of Padua on the 800th anniversary of his arrival in Italy.
The stamp, which will be available starting May 25, 2021, shows our brother Saint holding the Child Jesus in his arms and a lily in his hand. It also shows him with a pilgrim’s staff and a knapsack over his shoulder. The stamp is the work of artist Bimba LANDMANN and is valued at €2.40. It comes as part of a philatelic page representing St. Anthony on his journey north along a map of Italy. The map features Capo Milazzo, the site where St. Anthony was shipwrecked in the early spring of 1221; Messina, where “Fernando” was welcomed by the Franciscans; Assisi, where he met St. Francis of Assisi on May 30 of that year; and Padua, the place where St. Anthony preached and gave witness to the Gospel, and where his mortal remains are kept. This initiative is part of the 800th anniversary festivities and once more celebrates the significance that St. Anthony of Padua has for people all around the world, faithful who continually ask for his intercession regarding the many varied needs they have in their lives.
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