Jesuits honoured by Guyana's papal stamp

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has issued a special stamp to honour Pope Benedict XVI.  The launch of the stamp, along with three other stamps, took place at the country's main post office.  The stamps that were unveiled at the same time commemorated 100 years of Chinese aviation, the Chinese Lunar Year and the late Diana Princess of Wales.

Superior of the Jesuits in Guyana, Father Dermot Preston SJ, who represented the Catholic Church at the event, said it was an honour for him to do so.  In brief remarks, he noted that the present Pope's predecessor with the same name - Benedict XV - is often considered one of the most forgotten Popes, since he was elected to the papacy as the First World War was beginning.  However, said Fr Dermot, he did condemn the war and made several strenuous efforts to bring about a peace settlement.

Fr Dermot also noted that when the present Pope Benedict XVI was installed he paid tribute to Benedict XV and explained why he chose that name: 'Filled with sentiments of awe and thanksgiving, I wish to speak of why I chose the name Benedict.  I remember Pope Benedict XV, that courageous prophet of peace who guided the Church through turbulent times of war.  In his footsteps I place my ministry in the service of reconciliation and harmony between peoples', Benedict XVI said.

Remarks were also made by Mr Simon Bond, Deputy British High Commissioner and Mr Zhang Jungao, Chinese Ambassador.  The stamps were launched by the chairman of the GPOC, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Pictured above are Acting Post Master General, Henry Dundas, Fr Dermot Preston SJ, Deputy High Commissioner of the British Embassy Mr Simon Bond, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Zhang Jungao, and Chairman of the GPOC Bishop Juan Edghill at the launch of the stamps.