The Rosary of the pope John XXIII
On October 8, 1962, John XXIII received the Polish bishops, led by Primate Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, in a private audience. They had come to Rome for the Second Vatican Council, which began a few days later. During the meeting, the Pope recalled his former trips to Poland (1912 and 1929). He recalled then: "We remember Wawel, we remember Wawel Cathedral, the monuments to Jadwiga, the kings, the tombs...". It is possible that on that very day, during the audience, the young Bishop of Krakow Wojtyla received an unusual gift from John XXIII - an ivory rosary.
Totus Tuus
Since 1984 it has been in the collection of the Museum of the Family Home of the Holy Father John Paul II in Wadowice and is displayed in the permanent exhibition space. Made by hand from ivory, it was topped with an 18 cm high cross with a passion flower. Each bead has an engraving depicting the image of John XXIII and St. Peter's Square on the back. The large oval link features a bas-relief depicting the pope's bust and his signature: "Giovanni XXIII."
The rosary recalls Marian prayer and the act of total entrustment to the Immaculate, which in the life of Karol Wojtyla - John Paul II was expressed in his motto: "Totus Tuus" ("All Yours").
The rosary recalls Marian prayer and the act of total entrustment to the Immaculate, which in the life of Karol Wojtyla - John Paul II was expressed in his motto: "Totus Tuus" ("All Yours").
