Thursday, March 27, 2014

The seed chest presented by President Obama to Pope Francis is very symbolic.

Some say it is about planting seeds of hope. I think planting seeds for vegetables is also within the life of a common person. Pope Francis values his life in reflection of the common people he wants to return dignity and opportunity. I thought it was a great gift. No opulence. Simplicity in an expression of many aspects of life.

 
by Carol Glatz 

VATICAN CITY — One of the many moments (click here) pool reporters look forward to when a head of state meets the pope is the gift exchange.

The Vatican most often offers a unique piece of artisan art with a spiritual or Vatican theme. But when it comes to gifts from visiting dignitaries, it’s anything goes: chess sets, sacred or secular art, traditional and native crafts, books and rare manuscripts or teddy bears.

Today U.S. President Barack Obama gave Pope Francis a small chest full of fruit and vegetable seeds that are used in the White House Gardens.
“If you have a chance to come to the White House, we can show you our garden as well,” the president said.

“Como no!” the pope replied in Spanish, “Why not?” or “Of course.”...

He is going to come to visit. Very exciting.
 
This is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Baltimore Basilica (click here). It is the first  Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States and the place where the wood for the seed chest was found.