Taoiseach Unveils San Clemente Anniversary Stamp

12 September 2007

In 1840, at the age of 28, he travelled to Italy, joining the Dominican Order the following year. Having been assigned to the Basilica di San Clemente, during 1857 he began excavations under the existing basilica.

These excavations uncovered three historical layers – the twelfth century church, a well preserved fourth century Christian basilica boasting many New Testament frescos and an even earlier third century temple. 

The discovery of the Tomb of St. Cyril in 1863 was the most significant archaeological find at San Clemente.  St Cyril is known as the founder of Slavonic literature and an immensely important figure for the spiritual and political landscape of Europe today.

The An Post commemorative, 55c stamp is based on a watercolour by William Ewing from the late 19th Century, depicting Fr Joseph Mullooly in the narthex of the fourth century basilica. The First Day Cover (FDC) features an image of Fr. Mullooly by an unknown Italian artist.  The stamp is available at main Post Offices, the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1 - (01) 7057400 or online at www.irishstamps.ie.