|
This unique and newly created holy card is something of an historic document. It serves to honor the memory of Blessed Pius IX, the longest reigning pope since St. Peter, and a pontiff who ruled the Catholic Church during a time of tumultuous change.
Holy cards have a long and interesting history. The earliest were made with wood block printing and, after the invention of the Guttenberg press, they became widespread over Christendom. Clergy and laity alike were encouraged to emulate the virtues of the holy ones represented. Often the cards were scented with a favorite fragrance, much as it was the custom in those days to add scent to stationery and handkerchiefs. Holy cards remain popular today and are widely collected and traded. Many a parochial grammar school graduate will recall with fondness being presented a holy card as a little gift or reward by one of the teaching nuns. The printing firm of Fratelli Bonella in Milan is perhaps the world’s largest current producer of holy cards.
We believe this holy card of Pope Pius IX is the first to incorporate a fragrance specifically formulated for and used by the person honored by the card. We are virtually certain that this is also the first use of modern day fragrance micro-encapsulation technology in the scenting of a holy card. While serving as a vehicle to sample Pope Pius IX's personal cologne, The Pope’s Cologne, we think this holy card also offers a pleasant glimpse into the fashions of mid-nineteenth century Europe and the U.S.
A free Pope Pius IX Holy Card will be included with each bottle of The Pope’s Cologne ordered now through the 2009 Christmas Season and thereafter, while supplies last. Click below to order now.
ORDER NOW
|
