"...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?