A Commentary on the Flip Book Artifact: A Souvenir

Father Richard Kunst, Curator & Commentator
There are tons of gift shops all around St. Peter’s Basilica. In fact, gift shops may be the fourth most popular place at the Vatican. This item is something you would have bought probably at one of the little shops that would have been around in 1925, because it is from that year. It’s a little ‘flipper’. The official name for it is ‘flip book’. If you flip the pages fast enough it gives the illusion of a moving picture . This one is actually a photo of Pius XI giving a blessing. It was done as a souvenir to commemorate the Holy Year of 1925.
The title of the flip book reads, in Latin, “BENEDICAT VOS OMNIPOTENS DEUS, PATER ET FILIUS ET SPIRITUS SANCTUS.”
“May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
We show this item in footage included with this particular flip book. It’s this item that fascinates people the most in my Collection. I have all these really rare items, but people just get a kick out of seeing these little souvenirs.
I have a whole bunch of these little unique souvenirs in the Collection, including several flip books, which are the items that continue to be the most popular.
It is a highly collectible item. In fact there are people who collect only flippers. And to have one of a Pope giving a blessing for the Holy Year is really special.
Nowadays, people would buy a DVD. Then they bought a flipper!
Pope Pius XI ( 1922 – 1939)
The author of thirty encyclicals, Pope Pius XI shed light on the social and spiritual problems of his day and was characterized by his refusal to yield to the evils that threatened to overcome the world in which he lived. Instead he chose to rally the forces of good.
On Papal History/Pius XI, his biography, a YouTube about him, his coat of arms and burial site in St. Peter’s Basilica are located. Much information regarding his place in 20th century history is available there.
We honor his memory and contribution to our Church.
Pius XI is buried in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Here is a link to Papal Artifacts/Pius IX where you are welcome to view the many items connected to this 20th century Pope
- Pope Pius XI: Zucchetto
- Pope Pius XI: Handerkerchief with Embossed Signature
- Pope Pius XI: Autographed Photo From 1927
- Pope Pius XI Medallion Commemorating His Election
- Flip book of Pope Pius XI Commemorating the Holy Year 1925
- Pius XI: Cardinal Achille Ratti on June 13, 1921
- Pius XI after His Consecration
- Framed Image of Pius XI Knocking on the Holy Door 1925
- Agnus Dei, Lamb of God Piece: Pius XI
- Pius XI: Thirty-Piece Lead Toy Set of a Papal Procession
- Pius XI: Ornate Framed Autographed Blessing
- Coat of Arms of Pope Pius XI
- Tomb of Pope Pius XI located in St. Peter’s Basilica
And here is a link to Papal History/Pius XI where we have compiled information to acquaint you with Pope Pius XI