Rome, May 16th, 2023
The Embassy of Romania to the Holy See, together with representatives of the General Curia of the Friars Minor Conventual in Rome, organized a conference dedicated to Venerable Martin Benedict and the history of the Franciscan Friars in Romania, with His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, as guest of honour.
Romfilatelia was invited by the organizers to launch, during the event hosted by the General Curia of the Friars Minor Conventual, a special philatelic product dedicated to the Romanian Franciscan doctor and priest, Martin Benedict, declared Venerable of the Catholic Church on the 17th of December 2022, by the Decree of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, in recognition of his heroism for the promotion of Christian virtues.
In a solemn atmosphere, heroic deeds were evoked, the power to heal not only the body but also the soul of those suffering, the doctor and priest Martin Benedict bringing hope and faith amongst the sick.
Speakers were Adina Lovin, Charge d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Romania to the Holy See, Carlos Trovareli OFM Conv., Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Silvestru Bejan OFM Conv., Professor of Theology of Religions at the Theological Institute of Assisi and the Pontifical Theological Faculty of San Bonaventura Seraphicum in Rome, Eusebiu Bejan OFM Conv., vice-postulator of the Martin Benedict Cause and professor of Dogmatic Theology at the Franciscan Theological Institute in Roman, Germina Nagâț, CNSAS (the National Council for the Securitate Archives) member and Luminița Toncu, Promotion Director for Romfilatelia.
At the end of the speeches, the officials in attendance signed the commemorative philatelic panel, as an invitation to remember the Venerable Martin Benedict, “the physician of all”.
The postage stamp takes you out into the world and brings the world into your home, and this special philatelic envelope, with its images and inscriptions, will bring Venerable Benedict into the homes of those who hold him in special affection.
The Romanian postage stamp, as a symbol of statehood and sovereignty alongside the anthem, flag, emblem and currency, will continue its mission to promote national and universal values.
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#GeneralCuriaoftheFriarsMinorConventual #CNSAS
