To mark Saint Patrick’s Day 2020, An Post has issued five new stamps that highlight the experiences of Irish people who have emigrated for economic, cultural and humanitarian reasons over the past two centuries.
Bishop Denis Brennan of Ferns, chair of the Council for Emigrants/Prisoners Overseas, said, “The legacy of emigration flows in the veins of every Irish person. The new stamps produced by An Post will hold a place of particular importance in our culture. The stamps are also a tribute to the work and ministry of many women and men, over the generations, who have served the chaplaincies which were established by the Irish Bishops, first in London in 1957, and thereafter around the world. These pioneers provided the Irish abroad with a lifeline in terms of faith support and connection with loved ones at home, and they did this during the darkest of times. These special stamps are good news for the various chaplaincies that operate now around the world where the local Irish Catholic populations wish for such pastoral support.”
One of the personalities identified by the new stamp issue is Father Michael J Kelly SJ. Father Kelly, originally from Tullamore, served for 65 years in Zambia providing pastoral care to those who suffered with fatal diseases.
The five stamps, designed by the Irish design company ZeroG, consist of three ‘N’ stamps for national post, and two ‘W’ stamps for worldwide post. They are available at the GPO, main post offices and online at anpost.com.
ENDS
