The Vatican’s Postal and Philatelic Service has unveiled a special commemorative series to mark the 75th anniversary of the solemn proclamation of the Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Newsroom (15/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a fusion of ecclesiastical heritage and philatelic artistry, the Vatican’s Postal and Philatelic Service has unveiled a special commemorative series to mark the 75th anniversary of the solemn proclamation of the Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Proclaimed on November 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XII in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus, the dogma affirms that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life—a truth rooted in apostolic tradition and long venerated in Christian piety. This dogma, a divinely revealed doctrine essential to the faith, counters modern skepticism and emphasizes Mary’s unique role in salvation history free from original sin’s corruption.
Set for release amid global celebrations in 2025, the issuance bridges faith and collecting, offering devotees and philatelists alike a tangible link to this Marian mystery.
At the heart of the release are two exclusive philatelic envelopes, each measuring 16.5 x 9.5 cm and bearing a €1.30 stamp from a dedicated series launched on September 7, 2025. The stamps and envelopes evoke the Assumption’s theological depth through masterful artworks drawn from the Vatican Museums’ treasures.
The first envelope draws inspiration from Bernardino Pinturicchio’s renowned fresco The Assumption of the Virgin, a Renaissance masterpiece gracing the Borgia Apartments. Painted around 1492-1494, it captures Mary’s ascent amid a chorus of angels, symbolizing triumph over death. The second features Dormitio Virginis, a 16th-century icon in the Cretan style, depicting the Virgin’s peaceful dormition surrounded by apostles—a Byzantine motif underscoring the Eastern Church’s influence on the dogma’s imagery.
Enhancing their collectible appeal, both envelopes carry a special cancellation mark: a 38 mm circular postmark reinterpreting Pietro Bernini’s baroque bas-relief of the Assumption, located in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The design incorporates commemorative text and the issuance date, September 7, 2025, blending historical sculpture with modern postal craft.
For enthusiasts seeking a premium keepsake, an illustrated, numbered folder in limited edition encases both envelopes in a sophisticated two-panel format (20 x 27 cm). Priced at €10 for the pair of envelopes alone or €15 for the complete folder, the items are positioned as accessible yet meaningful tributes.
Available at all Vatican Postal and Philatelic Service outlets, including the main office near St. Peter’s Square, the series is expected to draw international interest. Online inquiries can be directed through the official Vatican Philately website. As the Church prepares for worldwide observances, this philatelic homage underscores the Assumption’s enduring resonance, inviting believers to contemplate the “crowning truth” of Mary’s Immaculate privilege.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from vaticanstate.va
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