Spain's Holy Family Basilica featured on Papal Christmas cards

(December 14, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI's Christmas cards this year will feature the Basilica of the Holy Family, which he himself consecrated in the Spanish city of Barcelona last November. A statement from the Archdiocese of Barcelona said that the Vatican had informed Cardinal Louís Martínez Sistach, the archbishop of Barcelona, that the Pope's greeting cards will feature a significant element of the church designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí . (1852-1926).
For the Archdiocese of Barcelona the gesture highlights the Pontiff's affection for the archdiocese and the very positive impression he took with him of Barcelona," the note stated. The archdiocese also revealed a letter Pope Benedict had sent to Cardinal Martínez Sistach to thank him for the attentions he received during his overnight stay in Barcelona from November 6 - 7.
In his letter dated Nov 9, the Pontiff also entrusted all the people of the archdiocese to the protection of Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Mercy and imparted to them his apostolic blessing.