John Paul memorabilia in high demand in Poland
The former Pope John Paul II was highly admired in Poland, even before being canonized. A flourishing trade with devotional trinkets keeps the memory alive.
Protection by saints
There is no religious festivity without devotional objects. Especially in Poland, flags, rosaries and small plastic figurines of the pope are always in high demand. “Items showing Pope John Paul II remind us of the religious values. The people believe that the saint will protect them,” said Zbigniev Neckie, a cultural scientist in Krakow.
Jigsaw puzzle of the pope
For many people devotional objects of the pope are a perfect idea for a gift; in particular, for parents whose children are having Communion. “The children want to know who Pope John Paul II was. They did not have the chance to get to know him as we did,” said a mother who has just bought a pope-jigsaw puzzle for her son.
Collector's joy
Stamps are particularly popular devotional objects. For the third time, the Polish and Vatican postal services have issued a collection of Pope John Paul II stamps. The pope stamps are sold out in no time.
Great attraction
No Krakow tourist returns home without a Pope John Paul II image on a refrigerator magnet.”They are beautiful and cheap. Tourists always ask for them,” said the owner of a souvenir shop in central Krakow. “The pope has become a symbol of the city.”
The pope from Krakow
“I’m happy that the pope will be canonized,” said a Dutch tourist, who stands in front of one of the many a souvenir shops. “When I think of Krakow, I always think of Pope John Paul II. I'm bringing back home a souvenir of the Holy Father for my mother.”
Rosaries for inner contemplation
The pope cult in Poland has changed in recent years, according to cultural researcher Zbigniev Necki. “The people focus more and more on meditation and a spiritual experience. They don’t show their beliefs as openly as before,” said the researcher. That’s why rosaries have become coveted devotional objects again.
Pictures strengthen the faith
In nearly every Polish home one can find a picture of Pope John Paul II on the wall. “The people need visual elements which give their beliefs something concrete,” said the Polish priest, Marek Ciesielski. This popular belief helps to strengthen the faith in saints, according to the priest.
Words that remain in the heart
Many pope admirers prefer books about the pope and prayer books to pope pictures and pope figurines. Books from the pope and books about the pope are easily found in local shops. ”That is what remains in the heart,” said a 50-year old tourist in a bookshop in Krakow. “Now that the Polish pope is being sainted, you have to rediscover his works.”