The Order of Malta in Ireland has welcomed the launch by An Post of a commemorative stamp marking the centenary of the priestly ordination of Msgr Hugh O’Flaherty, one of Ireland’s most notable twentieth-century humanitarians.
Born in Co. Kerry and ordained in Rome in 1925, he later served in the Vatican Diplomatic Service and the Holy Office. From autumn 1942 he worked with a clandestine resistance network, “The Organisation”, coordinating safe houses, false papers and escape routes to help Jews, Allied soldiers and anti-fascists evade Nazi arrest. An estimated 6,500 people were rescued through these efforts.
Msgr O’Flaherty was invested as a member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1944 and appointed Chaplain of Magistral Obedience. The stamp features a drawn portrait of Msgr O’Flaherty with a flock of birds, symbolising freedom and hope. The Order said the issue will help raise awareness of his legacy of faith, courage
and service.
