The souvenir items come in different shapes and sizes. Some are distinct in style but most are the usual mundane religious articles.
There are well-crafted sculptures and tapestries featuring the popes, but there are also regular souvenirs like rosaries, paintings, mugs and pins.
There are also limited edition commemorative medals bearing the faces of the two popes that are made of gold, silver and copper. Some are sold for 50 euros each or more than P3,000.
When it comes to souvenir items, Filipinos will never be left out.
Take the case of Andre Sambilay, a first-timer in Rome.
"We are buying rosaries na may images ni Pope John Paul II kasi nga di ba its his canonization so yun ang magandang pasalubong talaga," she said.
It is estimated that around five million devotees will trek to the Vatican come Sunday.
Hotels are heavily-booked and restaurants full.
With Easter Sunday and the canonization only a week apart, souvenir store operators are facing brisk sales.
They expect sales to triple as the weekend nears, but they are ready to deal with it.
The canonization is so meaningful for long-time friends Nini Valdez and Jean Salvador. They were both in high school in 1962 when they followed the path of Pope John XXIII.
When Pope John Paul II visited Manila twice, they went to see him personally.
In fact, Valdez visited the hometown of Pope John Paul II in Krakow, Poland.
Like Valdez and Salvador, close friends Mads Garcia and Patty Olbes share the same spiritual upliftment.
Garcia came from Canada and Olbes from Madrid and met only in Rome two days ago to attend Sunday's momentous congregation.
They were just a few yards away when the Pope mobile of Pope Francis passed by during yesterday's regular papal audience.
"Its a big blessing to be here at this time of the year in this special occasion and we get to be up close and personal," said Olbes.
For Filipino devotees, they urge countrymen especially Filipino leaders to draw inspiration from the two popes who in the next few days will be declared saints.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
