"The eight Central European countries were called on to co-operate in a celebration of faith for one year by the Holy Father. The purpose of the Meeting is to make the peoples of the participating countries aware that Christianity is a determining part of European identity. The Meeting’s slogan, ‘Christ – The Hope of Europe’, conveys this message. The Eucharist and the veneration of Virgin Mary is a common treasure shared by the peoples of Europe. This is expressed and confessed at various national events, but is also manifested in the common gathering closing the Meeting, the peoples’ pilgrimage to Mariazell, Austria. (Source: www.plebania.net) The main motif of the first day cover and postmark designed to go with the block is the logo of the event.For the first time in Hungarian stamp issuing, the motifs of the stamps of the block – based on the paintings and designs by graphic artists Szilvia Lázár and Tibor Raszler – are perforated in the shape of a cross. These are, vertically, the Basilica at Mariazell, a devotional statue of the Madonna and a painting of the Madonna in a gilt frame from the age of Louis the Great from the Basilica at Mariazell, and a devotional statue of Mary of Kiscell from the Óbuda Parish, and, horizontally, a devotional statue of the Madonna from the Basilica at Mariazell, and a devotional statue of the Madonna from the shrine at Celldömölk.The background of the numbered block features a detail of the main gate of the Basilica at Mariazell, as interpreted by the graphic artists based on a photograph by M. Oberer. The edge of the sheet contains the event’s logo and a portrait of Pope John Paul II. "