Vatican issues first Braille stamp in honor of bicentenary of Louis Braille

Vatican City, Nov 5, 2009 / 02:41 pm (CNA).- The Vatican post office has issued it's first ever Braille stamp to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, who created the universal reading and writing system for the blind.

The stamps feature a portrait of Louis Braille, the inventor's name, the Vatican City State and the price written in the raised dots of the Braille system. Valued at $0.96 each, 300,000 stamps have been issued and will go on sale at the Vatican's post offices near St. Peter's Basilica, according to the Canadian Press.

Born in France in 1809, Louis Braille was blinded in an accident at the age of four. Despite this challenge, he insisted on attending school at the age of ten and was accepted to the Institute of the Blind in Paris. He was instructed in the Huay method for teaching the blind, which did not allow for any writing.

Braille became an instructor at the school at the young age of 18 and within two years had developed a simpler and more intuitive learning method. He eventually expanded his method to include musical notation.

Shortly after his death at the age of 43, France adopted his system and at the World Congress of Education for the Blind in 1878, the Braille method was declared universal.

The Vatican post office has two locations in St Peter's Square: as one faces the Basilica, one post office is just outside the middle of the right-hand colonnade; the other is on the left-hand side, but adjacent to the steps going up to the Basilica. The main post office is within Vatican City itself, and tourists can go there in this way: go to Porta Sant'Anna (St Anne's Gate), which is at the street intersection that enters Vatican City as one walks alongside the wall that eventually leads to the Vatican Museums (Via Porta Angelica). Turn left at Porta Sant' Anna --- there is a small church on the right (Sant'Anna), which is also nice to visit. Tell the Swiss Guard who is standing in front of the church that you want to go to the Post Office (just say 'Post Office') and he will wave you on through. Continue walking past the church and its adjacent presbytery (priests' house), and as you cross the street you will come to the guard box of the Vatican Police. An officer will stop you, but again, tell him you want to go to the Post Office, and he will let you pass. Walk on a few metres, and on your right is one of only 3 ATM's in Vatican City -- it's interesting, because Latin is one of the language choices! Right after the ATM is the main post office -- built in the classical style, with a flight of steps and a columned porch.

The Vatican issues many beautiful stamps each year, most of which become collector's items. Blocks of stamps and covers (stamped commemorative envelopes) are available, as well as individual stamps and post cards. They also sell sets of Vatican coins. The stamps, covers and coins make great gifts, and are easy to pack and carry on your journey.

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