The highlight of the visit is the Canonization of the Indian born, Goan, Catholic, Oratorian Priest Joseph Vaz, known universally as the Apostle of Sri Lanka and Patron of Goa and Daman on 14th January 2015 at a special Eucharistic Celebration at the Galle Face Green. He is Sri Lanka’s first Saint. The Rs.10.00 stamp with the portrait of his Holiness Pope Francis, has the picture of St. Peter’s Basilica of the Vatican city in blue at its background. The Rs. 75.00 stamp with the portrait of his Holiness Pope Francis, has the backdrop of the stage of the Canonization Holy Mass-designed according to typical Sri Lankan Eastern Architecture, in red as its background.

According to the Christian iconographic color language blue represents earthly nature and red the divine nature, which are the two natures of Jesus Christ. The Pope is the Vicar of Christ.

In the stamp with the blue background the molding line of the colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica is seen rising from the left lower corner towards the right edge. The molding line is continued in the stamp with the red background leading it still higher. A canonization of a Saint usually takes place in Rome. However, here under a special indult the ceremony is officially held in Sri Lanka.

“Abide in love” which is based on John Chapter 15 verse 9 of the Holy Bible, is the theme of the visit of his holiness pope Francis to Sri Lanka.

The Souvenir sheet has the Pieta – the sculpture of Michelangelo Buonarroti, depicting Mary the Mother of Jesus holding the dead body of Jesus under the cross. The dead body signifies the unfathomable love of the creator God in giving his own son to be persecuted and killed by man for the salvation of man. The Virgin Mary the Mother of Jesus participated in this sacrificial love by totally surrendering herself and her son to the will of God. The background of the Souvenir sheet depicts a marble stone reminding us of the words of Jesus: “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church” (Holy Bible, Matthew 16:18) to St. Peter the first Pope whose office is continued to this day in Papacy.