This is a most unusual Papal Blessing from Pope John XXIII. It is written in the Polish
language to a clergy member, a friar in The Order of Friars Minor Conventual, abbreviated
as O F M Conv on the document. The blessing is for the friar, his parents and siblings.
It is dated 1961 and contains the raised Vatican seal.

Artistic Detail and Symbolism 
The top center of the document shows the Papal Seal in traditional gold and red colors.
The upper left corner depicts The Lamb of God, symbolic of Jesus Christ, with a chalice
before him. The upper right corner depicts a chalice with the Holy Host identified as IHS,
again symbolic of Jesus Christ. A religious vestment, a white stole with red crosses, is draped
around that chalice. Both panels are decorated with wheat sheaves and grape bunches,
often symbols of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, as is the chalice itself.

The intricate artwork on this document is hand drawn and hand colored. The photograph
of Pope John XXIII is affixed to the document, most likely by means of a light coat of glue.

Material  
This item is made of paper (most likely parchment) and is under glass in a wood frame.  The back
of the frame is covered with kraft paper. A picture hanging wire is attached to the back. 

Size  
Outside measurement of frame is 13.75 inches wide by 17.5 inches high by .75 of an inch deep.

Condition  
This Apostolic Blessing is in Near Excellent condition.
There is a single light soil mark near the bottom, located below and to the right of the
Archbishop's signature. Although the document is very lightly sunned, it appears to be well
preserved under glass. The corners of the photograph are slightly lifted up from the document,
but the photo itself appears to be firmly attached to the blessing.

The frame does have some bumps and dents in the wood, but none are terribly noticeable.
The kraft paper on the back is torn on the upper third of the frame, as well as along the bottom
edge. The words Newman Glass are written in pencil on the kraft paper. Please view all of our
photos in this listing for a visual inspection.

Artwork, Collectibles