Aquino’s gifts to Pope Francis: Virgin Mary statue, commemorative coins

Pope Francis visited Malacañan Palace this morning for official welcoming ceremonies. The Pontiff and President Aquino delivered statements during a general audience of senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps (Photo by the Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA  — President Benigno S. Aquino III gave Pope Francis a wooden statue of Mary Undoer of Knots, signifying his Marian devotion.

The Marian image is carved from a piece of wood from a century-old acacia tree that once stood on the grounds of Malacanan Palace, but was felled by typhoon ‘Glenda’ in July 2014.

“In all this: in this sculpture, in Mary, Undoer of Knots, in His Holiness’ life, and in the story of the Filipino people, we see the beauty of faith and the strength of devotion, amidst the suffering and challenges of life,” the Palace said.

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.

Pope Francis’ special devotion to Mary has become known to many across the world.

The most famous representation of this is the painting that inspired his devotion while studying in Germany, and provided him solace in prayer.

Other gifts Pope Francis received from President Aquino include commemorative coins in Php50 and Php500 denominations bearing the Pope’s face.

The pontiff is in the second day of a five-day pastoral and state visit to the Philippines.