In 2008 Father Kunst purchased a series of holy year bricks from a Roman citizen selling them on auction. They belonged to the man’s grandmother who had recently died at 104 years of age. The man’s grandfather worked at the Spanish Embassy at the Vatican.
On one of the bricks is written the notation that it was intended as a gift to his grandfather and his family.
The bricks are from all the major basilicas in Rome.
The inscription on this brick reads:
SEDENTE LEONE PPXIII
FRANCISCVS DE PAVLA CARD SATOLLI
SACRSO ECCLESIAE LATERANENSIS
ARCHIPRESBYTER
APERVIT ET CLAVSIT
ANNO JVBILAEI MCM
SAC LATER ECCL
Notes:
Francesco Satolli (Marsciano, 21 Iuglio 1839) was the
Cardinale Legato who opened and closed the
holy door. Pope Leone XIII elevated him to the rank
of cardinal in the consistory of 29 November 1895.
On the back of the brick is engraved a name,
probably a benefactor (someone who had made
a donation to the church).