New stamp on Int. Year of Light

 

Date of Issue : 19 February 2015

Vatican Post will release a special stamp on 19^th of February celebrating “International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies”.

The commemorative stamp issued by Vatican City features a detail of a Sistine Chapel fresco by Michelangelo on the creation of the stars, an eternal symbol that comes from and returns to God the Creator. At the beginning of the Bible we read: “Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day’, and the darkness he called ‘night’. Evening came, and morning followed” .

The United Nations General Assembly 6801 Session proclaimed 2015 as the “International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies”. Light plays a fundamental role in sustaining light on earth through photosynthesis. Studies and ongoing discoveries have shown how the many applications of light through medicine, communications, culture, and entertainment have revolutionized society. The international year will have a broad focus, not only on the scientific dimension, but also on the need to promote greater public knowledge and awareness on the way light-based technologies can sustain human development

Numerous and varied events will take place during the year with activities organized at the regional, national and international levels. Other goals of the initiative include improving the quality of lite, promoting science careers for women, and education for young people. The Holy See takes an active role in contributing to the international scientific community dedicated to the study of natural phenomena and their effects and influence on society. The Vatican’s historic telescopes at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, and its ultra-modem telescope in Tucson, Arizona, are a living testimony to this longstanding and ongoing commitment to scientific research.

New Love stamp from USPS

Love was certainly in the air at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond for the dedication of the Forever Hearts Forever® stamps on January 22nd.

Combining artistic vision with a timeless symbol of affection, the newest stamps in the long-running and ever popular Love  series feature lacy lettering in the shape of a heart. Artist Jessica Hische created the lettering, first drawing her design by hand and then finishing the stamp art digitally.

“Today, the heart is everywhere,” said U.S. Postal Service Capital Metro Area Vice President Kristin Seaver in dedicating the stamps.

It can be found in religious art, pop culture, greeting cards and so much more, but the meaning remains the same—love—the universal language of the heart. Our Forever Hearts stamps remind people of the power of everlasting love. In that spirit, we hope the stamp will help you send all of your cards and letters to those you care about with a special touch of love and cheer.
Moreover, there is nothing like the feeling of receiving a love letter in the mail or a valentine from that special someone. But remember, these stamps can be used year-round because love never goes out of season or style.