Jmj

Some time ago, a nice person posted a URL here for a new Internet site (under construction, I think) -- sponsored by a Rome shop that would be able to provide Papal Blessing certificates for special occasions.

I tried that URL several times in the past, but was always unable to get the page to come up. Now at last it is ready. (Thanks to Lydia K. for bringing it to my attention.)

For authentic Vatican Papal Blessing parchments, art, books, posters, and sacramentals (such as rosaries -- crucifixes -- crosses -- medals) from Rome, please visit this page [http://www.vatican-souvenirs.com/oexec/religion.cfm].

The blessing parchments are handprinted by professional calligraphers. They are signed and embossed at the Vatican and sent within 10 to 12 business days by Federal Express. They can be prepared for various people (single person, family, school, choir, etc.) or for special occasions (wedding, anniversary, Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, religious profession, ordination, etc.).

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), January 31, 2001

Answers

-- (_@_._), January 31, 2001.

The best site to request authentic papal blessing: www.sanmichelearcangelo.com.

God bless you.

-- Pablo (pabloliuzzi@hotmail.com), April 21, 2001.

I visited the newly mentioned site and suggest that others compare it to the "vatican-souvenirs" site that I linked.
I find "souvenirs" much better for a speaker of English, but "san michele arcangelo" has a Spanish-language option that "souvenirs" lacks.
JFG

-- (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), April 21, 2001.

Take a look on this site: www.vaticangift.com

-- David Soul (davidsoul44@hotmail.com), June 21, 2001.

Folks,
I just tried to visit the three sites listed above (posted by me and two other people during the first half of 2001). I could not reach the first site, and the other two do not appear to provide papal blessing certificates now (if they ever did).
If anyone can provide an alternative site, please add a message below. I get occasional e-mail messages from people about this, and I no longer know where to send them (except to their bishop's office).
Thanks. John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 02, 2002.

John thanks for your clarification on these sites. I haven't been able to find a substitute site so I'll try the Archbishop's office - though they're pretty busy with other matters these days. Enjoy the day! Ray

-- ray (ray.bunch@exeloncorp.com), May 16, 2002.

just got an email from "Sonya" at www.vaticangift.com and they have 2 versions of Papal Blessing parchments for $45 each -- looks fine

-- ray (ray.bunch@exeloncorp.com), May 17, 2002.

For you Jake.

-- @ (@@@@.@), September 09, 2002.

Thanks!

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), September 09, 2002.

I ordered a parchment in March from vatican-souvenirs, but never received the blessing. I've tried to send several follow-up emails, but I'm not getting any answers. I would stay away from this company.

-- R. McCoy (rjmccoy@hotmail.com), September 23, 2002.

Earlier this year I inquired about papal blessings and received the following email response from info@vaticangift.com -- all information was requested and received through this email address.

I hope this helps.

Carolyn

"I have available the Wedding certificate from the Pope (Apostolic Blessing Parchment Papers)

You can choose between two parchment models

Model A: horizontal, with old style scribble and with bright gold insert with a photo of our Pope John Paul II on the left. On the right there is a sketch of the St. Peter Basilica and the hand written text:

His Holiness John Paul ll cordially imparts the desired Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of heavenly favors to (name of wife and husband) In occasion of their Wedding This parchment is very large (Base: 18.1 x Height: 11.8 inch (46 x 30 cm))

Model B: Vertical, with old style scribble and with bright gold insert with the photo of our Pope John Paul II on the top. At the corner of the parchment are represented the four most important Basilicas in Rome. The hand written text is the same and is placed in the low middle of the parchment.

This parchment is very large too (Base: 12.6 x Height: 16.3 inches (32 x 41.4 cm))

These parchment papers are made with superior quality elements like the hot gold insertion, and are designed exclusively for us.

To complete the special Apostolic Blessing I need these information:

> Wife (Maiden Name): > Husband name : > Church: > Church Telephone Number: > Celebrant: > Wedding date

We will hand write the parchment paper and bring it into the Vatican for the concession of the Apostolic Blessing.

The price of the parchment paper is $ 45

Please note that the price is for the parchment paper, for the calligrapher that will hand write it, the authorized photography, and not for the blessing.

Together with the Parchment Paper I will send you a wooden Rosary blessed by His Holiness John Paul II during the general audience. This is my present for you.

I will send you all the notice about the beneficence that we are doing with the contribute of everyone.

-- Carolyn (fcb@heartland.com), September 23, 2002.

I just received my Papal blessing parchment! I went to www.vaticangift.com. It came within two weeks! They also sent me a wooden Rosary Blessed by the Pope! Thanks for the site!

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake_huether@yahoo.com), December 20, 2002.

Thanks for the very good news, Jake. People write to me from time to time to ask me for this kind of information. (I guess they stumble across a very old thread that contains my name, but lacks URLs and e-mail addresses to the folks overseas.) I will be able to send them here now, to read your glowing report.
JFG

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), December 20, 2002.

I just visited the site vaticangift.com and found no Papal Blessings at all. Mostly medals, rosaries and icons. In fact all that was offered under the Wedding page were Husband and Bride rosaries. Thought you'd like to know. MJS

-- Michael Jude Shanley (shanleybanana@hotmail.com), February 05, 2003.

Michael, thanks for the info, but you don't get the blessing parchment separately - the rosaries they sell are blessed by the Pope and that's where the parchment comes in. :-)

-- Christine L. :-) (christine_lehman@hotmail.com), February 05, 2003.

I just looked at the site again - how it works is you buy the item(s) and after purchase you can ask to have them blessed by the Pope at one of his General Audiences. :-)

-- Christine L. :-) (christine_lehman@hotmail.com), February 05, 2003.

I found a website called ultimatewedding.com, and they suggest that you call the chancery for your diocese. I just called mine for my parents, and they are sending me the appropriate paperwork today. I think it will be easier to deal with someone locally who has the official info than with someone in Rome that I can't reach by telephone. Good Luck.

-- P. Moynihan (pdm6288@aol.com), March 26, 2003.

I received the information from the Chancery in my diocese today. The request for a Papal Blessing should be placed in a letter addressed to: Most Reverend Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio Apostolic Nunciature United States of America 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20008-3687 202-333-7121 A $20 offering by check or money order payable to the "Apostolic Nunciature" is customary.

-OR- If you prefer a handwritten blessing on parchment, you should request it directly from Rome. Servizio Assistenziale del Santo Padre, 00120 Vatican City State, Europe The customary offering if $45 payable to the Servizio Assistenziale del Santo Padre. It takes 2-3 months.

Along with the request and the money sent to either location,you will need: a written request from a parish priest or priest that knows the person(s) attesting to his/her/their good standing the the Catholic Church, and the contents of the blessing clearly printed. This should include: the name(s)typed or written in capital letters of the people to receive the blessing; the occasion to be celebrated; the date of the occasion; and if it is a wedding, the name of the church and its city and state. Hope this helps.

-- P. Moynihan (pdm6288@aol.com), March 27, 2003.

A NICE SITE I LOVE THIS

-- MUGU CHINEY (muguchi@yahoo.com), April 10, 2003.

I found this site... http://RomeGiftShop.com I bought several items... received within 3 days... they are very good... they are from Rome but also have offices and warehouse in the USA...

-- luca (lucaloverome@yahoo.com), April 19, 2003.

Try writing to info@sanmichelearcangelo.com They service is really great you receive with the Blessing even religious items! I think they are the best www.sanmichelearcangelo.com

-- Mary Blue (maryblue59@hotmail.com), November 06, 2003.