This item is actually a holy card that Georg Ratzinger, brother to Pope Benedict XVI,  had printed for his ordination. Nearly all priests have their own cards printed to commemorate ordination, the most important event of a priest’s life. And this one was printed for Father  Georg  Ratzinger  and is nearly identical to the one his brother had printed.   It’s a great item to have because it dates back to the very beginning of the ministry of the man who was our Holy Father from 2005 until his resignation in 2012.  And what is of  greatest interest is the fact that both brothers signed these holy cards at the time of their ordinations.  They are very nice additions to this Collection.

There are reasons that priests have ordination cards with general information on them. The first purpose, of course, is to commemorate the event. Also, priests give them as gifts in thank you cards, and also, they are given for people to remember that date.

Lots of times, on one side, there will be a holy picture, as is Joseph Ratzinger’s, which is an image of the Madonna and Child. Sometimes, priests choose a saint, or an image of Christ or a saint for whom the priest has a particular affection. Oftentimes a favorite scripture quote is used, and the date and location of ordination is also included.

Georg  has a picture of himself, too. The picture is rather unique in that most guys don’t have a photo on their cards. This makes it more interesting, I think, because you can see a very young priest, who not only has served our Church for over 60 years, but also has a brother who became our Holy Father. —Father Richard Kunst