Papal visit souvenirs go on sale in Britain

(Aug.05,2010) Official souvenirs to mark Pope Benedict XVI’'s September 16-19 visit to Britain, went on sale this week with a Swarovski bracelet and baseball cap, among the more usual mugs and T-shirts. Sales are expected to help the local Roman Catholic church cover the costs of the visit. Parishes are showing a keen interest in papal flags to decorate churches, halls and schools, a Catholic spokesman said, but worshippers have the chance to buy a range of items including electronic flashing candles costing three pounds, and key rings and fridge magnets at five pounds each. Many of the online items feature an image of the Pope and the trip's motto: "Heart Speaks unto Heart."
Tens of thousands of the church's estimated five million followers in Britain, are expected to attend papal events during the four-day visit. Organizers have had to restrict the number of worshippers at public events because of health and safety rules. Tickets will be restricted to groups organized through dioceses and local parishes