Noy’s gifts to pope: Special coins, sculpture of Virgin Mary

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino presented Pope Francis gifts to honor his first state and pastoral visit to the Philippines: 50-peso and 500-peso papal coins and a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, Undoer of Knots, carved from a piece of wood from a century-old acacia tree that stood in the Palace grounds before Typhoon Glenda hit and uprooted the tree in July 2014.

In turn, Francis’ special gift to Aquino was an old Vatican City Atlas. 

The 50-peso coin is made of nickel brass and features on the obverse side a portrait of Francis and the markings “Republika ng Pilipinas,” “Pope Francis,” his signature, the denomination, the year-mark “2015” and the BSP mint mark.

On the reverse side is the BSP seal and the markings “Papal visit/Philippines,” the date of visit (Jan. 15 to 19, 2015), the logo of the papal visit and the mini-letters of the theme, “mercy and compassion.”

The 500-peso coin is made of Nordic gold and plated with gold.

The obverse side features a portrait of Francis with his hand slightly raised along the same markings seen in the 50-peso coin. The reverse side will bear the same markings as the 50-peso coin.

Based on a Malacañang information sheet, Paete, Laguna native Fred Baldemor, a renowned and multi-awarded sculptor in wood, bronze and marble, hand-carved the image of Our Lady over several months.

Malacañang said Baldemor had contributed to many exhibits and institutions, and in all this, in this sculpture, “we see beauty in faith and the strength of devotion, amidst the suffering and challenges of life.”

“Perhaps the most famous representation of this is the painting that inspired His Holiness’ devotion while studying in Germany, and provided him solace in prayer. Today, Mary, Undoer of Knots, is the refuge of so many who entrust the knots in their life, the struggles they confront, to the care of our mother, who, by her faith, can undo them,” Malacañang said.

Malacañang said Francis has a special devotion to Mary, which had become known to many across the world.

The country had made marked progress over the past few years but there were “still many knots to be undone,” Malacañang added.

Malacañang said Francis will have the opportunity to meet with Filipinos representing resilience, faith and hope in the face of extreme climate like Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“The vast majority of these survivors have been able to rise from the devastation Yolanda wrought through their faith in the compassion and  mercy of our Lord, which was manifested in the solidarity of all those who gave so generously of their time and resources to help,” Malacañang said.

“His Holiness is among the millions all over the world who stood with our countrymen at a time of great need.”

Francis blessed two sick aunts of   Aquino in Malacañang yesterday.

Speaking in Latin, Francis gave his apostolic blessing to all people inside the Rizal Hall, including wheelchair-bound Maria Paz Cojuangco-Teopaco, who has stage four cancer, and Maur Aquino-Lichauco, who suffered a stroke two years ago.

Francis had already left the stage after giving a speech, when he suddenly came back and spoke in Latin for the apostolic blessing.

He first approached several people, including Teopaco, whom Aquino kissed before the pope blessed her.

The President wants their aunt healed, Aquino’s sister Kris said.

She said her brother was very kind to exert efforts to bring her to Malacañang so the pope could bless her. Teopaco, the sister of their late mother, former  President Corazon Aquino, is very close to her, she added.

Lichauco was the sister of their late father, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.

Francis kissed and blessed children gathered in Malacañang to welcome him.

Aquino kissed the hand of Francis, before seeing him off to his popemobile to greet people waiting outside Malacañang for his blessing.

After the short arrival honors at the Kalayaan grounds, Francis walked with Aquino to the Palace, pausing a bit to listen to the musical band.

He then shook hands and talked to Cabinet members.

Francis signed the guestbook and wrote: “On the President and people of this beloved land of the Philippines I ask almighty God abundant blessings of wisdom, discernment, prosperity and peace. 16-1-2015 Francis.”