Toronto Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick, back row centre next to principal Anthony Arcadi, is surrounded by students from Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School in Kleinburg, Ont. Photo courtesy of Anthony Arcadi, YCDSB

Pope Francis surprises Pope Francis school with gifts

By 
  • June 20, 2017

Toronto Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick suprised Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School in Kleinburg, Ont. June 16 with a special present directly from the Vatican.

Kirkpatrick was part of the delegation of Canadian bishops making their ad limina visit to Rome in late April, which included a meeting with Pope Francis.

He asked the pontiff if he could bring home a gift for the school that bears his name in the York Region Catholic District School Board. The Pope arranged for a gift pack that the bishop could take back to the school.

“Our entire school community was so happy and delighted because we take the fact that we are members of a school named Pope Francis very seriously,” said principal Anthony Anthony Arcadi. “The fact that Pope Francis acknowledged us in this small way means a lot to us.”

The items, below, included the Pope’s very own zucchetto, the white skull cap he wears. In addition, there were medallions of St. Francis and a rosary, all blessed by Pope Francis. Pope Francis School was officially opened and blessed by Kirkpatrick on April 19, 2017.

pope francis gifts webPhoto courtesy of Anthony Arcadi, YCDSB

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE