Monday, May 01, 2006

"...these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee..."

I recently received an e-mail offer from Jackson & Perkins of an "exclusive opportunity" to own a Pope John Paul II commemorative rose:
"This radiant white tribute to a beloved world figure grows in the private Vatican gardens. Now you can enjoy its perfectly formed hybrid tea flowers and citrus fragrance in your own garden, along with a numbered edition Commemorative package. The collection includes a Pope John Paul II bareroot rose and solid, cast aluminum marker to place alongside the planted rose in your garden. You'll also receive an embossed keepsake portfolio, which holds a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity, a full-color photograph of the rose and one of the late Pontiff’s homilies."
It is advertised as a "Rose for a Cause" because a portion of the profits will be donated to benefit the poor in sub-Saharan Africa ("
one of the late Pontiff's closest concerns").

Cost of the complete limited-edition package? 150 smackeroos. Portion of net to be donated? 10 percent.

Now, J&P sell the same bareroot rose - minus all the Pope-crap - for $25. I would love to see the final balance sheet for this trumped-up charitable opportunity. The Vatican have given the go-ahead to the project - I wonder what their cut will be?

WW(JPII)D?

4 Comments:

Blogger Kathleen... said...

I got that same catalogue, and shook my head when I saw the Pope Rose entry. Profiteers at their worst, I say.

8:06 PM  
Blogger katiedid said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

2:01 AM  
Anonymous Harold said...

Hi great reading yyour post

8:21 PM  
Anonymous Harold said...

Greaat post thank you

6:23 AM  

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