In continuity with the previous years, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s Poste Magistrali took part in the Congress of the Italian Philatelic Press Union (USFI), the important association that brings together journalists and writers specialised in philately in Italy.

The congress was held in Sasso Marconi (Bologna), from 6 to 8 September, as a tribute to Guglielmo Marconi, the famous inventor, in the year in which the 150th anniversary of his birth was commemorated. In fact, the Sasso Marconi area is home to Villa Griffone, the residence of the Marconi family, the site of the inventor’s first experiments, where the mausoleum, with his tomb, and the museum dedicated to him, depicted in the congress poster, are now located.

During the meeting, the Administrative Director of Poste Magistrali, Giorgio Battioni, illustrated to the participants the Poste Magistrali’s current activities and future programmes, presenting a preview of the new postal issues scheduled for 30 September next, which will represent:

• Our Lady of Philermos, Protector of the Order Of Malta;
• 30th Anniversary of the admission of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta into the UN General Assembly as Permanent Observer;
• The national institutions – The Federal Association, U.S.A., of the Order of Malta, on the 50th anniversary of its institution;
• The House of the Knights of Rhodes.