No trip would be complete without a bagful of souvenirs and for those attending the World Meeting of Families, the Marketplace fills that need.
From tons of free things like rosaries, metals and books to more expensive items like fine art, there is something for everyone.
At Sacred Heart Toys, the focus is on ages up to age 3. Owner Matthew MacKinnon said once his daughter was born the family realized there was a lack of religious toys geared toward newborns, so he and his wife decided to do something about it.
“We couldn’t find anything that wasn’t a choking hazard for children ages 0-3 and we decided to go out and make one,” he said. “We started with baby’s first rosary and now make about eight toys including the pocket pope, which we rolled out in time for the World Meeting of Families.”
For those who appreciate the fine arts, Notre Dame Creations offers stunning photography from Sister Rose Marie Tulacz with the Sisters of Notre Dame, who sells her photos to help schools in poor countries, according to Therese Bentley. Her collection includes candlelit scenes, nature, religious artifacts and more. Prices range from $1 bookmarks to $450 framed pieces, which are discounted for the World Meeting of Families, Bentley said.
The marketplace wouldn’t be complete without offering items to bless your house, and several stands fill that need. Holy water, essential oils and medals of all sorts could be found at several places but one stand, Seven Gifts, offers a different way to protect your place. Kristen Levine gives away “exorcised salt,” to anyone who buys a vessel to keep it in. The salt is blessed by her priest and protects the home as long as it’s spread around the perimeter.
“As long as the salt is around, the prayer continues,” she said. “It’s sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church’s intercession to help dispose us to cooperate more fully with the grace of God.”
Rounding out the things people can buy to wear are all sorts of shirts, baby onesies, exercise gear so you can “get down with God.” Catholic chachkies from baking pans and candle holders to more sacred items like crucifixes and blessed wall hangings are also around, in addition to the numerous free items, which include books, pens, movies, pamphlets and even sunglasses.
“Overall, the selection of items is amazing,” said Louis White from Phoenix.
A member of the Knights of Columbus he and his wife, Sylvia, were in town not with the Knights, but just to take it all in during the World Meeting of Families. He said he was quite taken aback with the stand the Knights of Columbus had at the marketplace and was thrilled to see them prominently displayed on the backpacks given out at registration.
“I am very impressed with their display and think it’s wonderful to see all the Catholic organizations that exist with all their ideas and drives. From marriage to protecting the unborn to the installation of new saints, it’s incredible to learn so much in one place.”
“It’s a little overwhelming, all the different things,” Sylvia said. “There’s so much to take in.”
