The Featured Image: A Reliquary Containing a Vial of Pope St. John Paul II’s Blood
In May of 1981 papal travel protocol was changed with the assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II. Because of the Pope’s rare blood type there was concern of a shortage for his needs when he lost so much blood from the gunshot wounds.
After he healed his doctors decided to draw his own blood so as always to have a fresh supply in case there was another emergency. So after 1981 everywhere the pope traveled so did a few pints of his own blood just in case. After his death, these spare pints of his blood became relics of a saint.
The Church has allowed distribution of some of his blood to various churches and dioceses throughout the world for veneration. I am humbled to have been chosen to received a relic of Saint John Paul’s blood through the assistance of my friend, Archbishop Schnurr of Cincinnati.
In Duluth, Minnesota, because of the Curator of Papal Artifacts, this relic of Saint John Paul’s blood will be exposed for veneration at his parish.
Papal Artifacts extends our gratitude to Archbishop Schnurr and to Father Richard Kunst for their great devotion to this modern day saint and to their abilities to bring him home to us.
Saint John Paul, pray for us!
Below are featured some of the many artifacts connected to Pope St. John Paul II.
- Bookmark from the 1940s Signed as John Paul II
- Large Medal Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Saint John Paul II Ordination
- Zucchetto From Saint John Paul II’s Elevation to the Cardinalate
- Black & White Photo of John Paul II as Bishop Karol Wojtyla
- Pope John Paul II: Complete Set of Lead Seals and Chains From the 1978 – Conclave Electing Saint John Paul II
- Photo With Signature of Pope John Paul II
- 7 Rosaries Gifted to Father Richard Kunst From Pope Saint John Paul II & One from Bp. Robert Brom
- John Paul II & Benedict XVI
- Father Richard Kunst and Pope John Paul II on one of his first audiences, attempting to “swap a zucchetto.”
- Pope John Paul II With (now) Archbishop Dennis Schnurr and Father Richard Kunst: Receiving a Rosary
- Autographed Photo of John Paul II Leaning Against His Staff
- Coat of Arms of Saint John Paul II