POPE’S HISTORIC VISIT TO REPUBLIC

PRESBYTERIAN CLERIC CRITICISES MODERATOR’S MEETING WITH PONTIFF DUP LEADER DECLINES INVITE TO DUBLIN EVENT REMEMBERING JOHN PAUL II’S ARRIVAL IN 1979

THESE are the Fermanagh-produced souvenirs that will help commemorate the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland.

Belleek Pottery are producing handcrafted baskets and crosses to mark the first papal visit to Ireland in almost 40 years.

“Just 200 of the Pope Francis baskets have been produced, and they cost £150 each. The cross is priced at £30.

Belleek head of design Fergus Cleary said: “The handcrafted Pope Francis Basket features the coat of arms of the Holy See and Vatican City State,” he said.

“Sky Blue roses represent the Pope’s home country of Argentina, yellow and white roses, the flag of the Vatican City and shamrocks an eternal symbol of faith in Ireland since the time of St Patrick.

“The Pope Francis Cross is a Celtic High Cross inscribed in honour of the Pope’s visit. It features hand-embossed designs and hand-painted shamrocks.

“Celtic High Crosses are found throughout Ireland on old monastic sites and are Ireland’s biggest contribution to Western European Art of the Middle Ages,” he added.

Both of the pieces are beautifully made and hand-painted by master craftspeople.

Belleek Group managing director John Maguire said: “This is an historic visit and this specially designed basket with its thoughtfully chosen decorative elements and the inscribed Celtic High Cross are a beautiful representation of Ireland’s rich heritage in craft and design.”