Spirituality and astronomy

“Spirituality and Astronomy 2024 -- ‘When They Saw the Star, They Rejoiced with Great Joy’” is the theme of a workshop that takes place from 30 August to 1 September at the Vatican Observatory headquarters. The workshop will include introductory lessons, moments of prayer and sharing, visits to telescopes and evenings dedicated to observing the skies. Participants will be accompanied by members of the Jesuit community, Vatican Observatory researchers, professors and amateur astronomers.

A fascinating unicum

On Monday, 5 July 2010, during his address for the inauguration of the new fountain in the Vatican Gardens dedicated to Saint Joseph, Benedict XVI said, “It is a work that increases the artistic patrimony of this enchanting green space in Vatican City, full of historical and artistic testimonies of various epochs. Indeed, not only the lawns, the flowers, plants and trees, but also the towers, pavilions, small temples, fountains, statues and other buildings make this garden into a fascinating unicum”.

The Secretary General of the Governorate, Sr. Raffaella Petrini, has attended the 142nd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus, held in Québec City, Canada, from 6 to 8 August.

Among the many activities detailed in his annual report at the Convention, the Supreme Knight, Patrick E. Kelly, mentioned the Knights Of Columbus’ funding for the restoration of the bronze Baldachin in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage cooperates with the Fabric of Saint Peter in all diagnostic examinations and in the development of methods of intervention.

This year marks the centenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Panama. To commemorate the event, on 21 May, the Governorate of Vatican City State issued a stamp, produced by the Post and Philately Service.

The stamp will be presented, with the symbolic official cancellation on stamped envelope, on Wednesday afternoon, 21 August, at the end of a eucharistic celebration in Rome’s San Lorenzo in Damaso Basilica, presided by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.

Sister Raffaella Petrini, General Secretary of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and the outgoing Ambassador of Panama to the Holy See, H.E. Miroslava Rosas Vargas, will attend the presentation. A commemorative volume for the centenary of diplomatic relations will also be offered.

The image of the stamp features two flags and two symbolic images of the two nations: the Cupola of Saint Peter and a landscape that ideally unites the Panama Canal depicting a sunrise on the Pacific Ocean and a sunset on the Atlantic Ocean, that can only be seen in this part of the world.

The Governorate of Vatican State has inaugurated its X (Twitter) account, aimed at informing the public on its activities.

The creation of the account, “Governatorato SCV”, has the aim of reaching people and bodies that primarily use social media to get their information, and strengthening wide-ranging communication to make the activities of the Governorate known.