Summary

Australia
Episcopal Conference Medal, 1970
Mint: Royal Australian Mint for Matthey Garrett Set no 353
Came in Red velvet box with NU 16462 - box in same draw but medals toning so stored alone.
Other Details: Pope Paul VI visited Australia in 1970, and this medal was issued to commemorate that occasion. He was the first Pope to visit Australia, arriving in Sydney on November 30. His duties included blessing the foundation stone of St Lucy's school in Sydney, speaking to Aboriginal communities and delivering sermons. Paul VI was the son of a prominent newspaper editor. He was ordained in Bescia on 29 May 1920, studied in Rome and entered the Vatican secretariat of state in 1922. He became of one two presecretaries to Pope Pius XII, and from 1954 to 1963 was Archbishop of Milan. He worked to improve relations between workers and employers and social relations more generally. In 1958 he became a Cardinal. As Pope he contined the reforms of John XXII, reconvening the Second Vatican Council and supervising reforms including the vernacularization and reform of the liturgy.

Physical Description

Bust left; around, PAULUS VI PONTIF MAXIMUS artist's initials below bust, WG A globe depicting Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea below Papal emblem radiate; around, PEREGRINUS APOSTOLICUS IN AUSTRALIS . AD MCMLXX . Came as pair of medals in red velvet coloured box - the medals show some toning and are stored out of the box (which is in the same draw) Certificate stored in box. Garrett No 353 also with other gold medals of 1970 suggest all related through donor.

Obverse Description

Bust left; around, PAULUS VI PONTIFEX MAXIMUS artist's initials below bust, WG

Reverse Description

A globe depicting Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea below Papal emblem radiate; around, PEREGRINUS APOSTOLICUS IN AUSTRALIS . AD MCMLXX .

Edge Description

Stamped 18 ct 0353

Significance

Pope Paul VI visited Australia in 1970, and this medal was issued to commemorate that occasion. He was the first Pope to visit Australia, arriving in Sydney on November 30. His duties included blessing the foundation stone of St Lucy's school in Sydney, speaking to Aboriginal communities and delivering sermons. Paul VI was the son of a prominent newspaper editor. He was ordained in Bescia on 29 May 1920, studied in Rome and entered the Vatican secretariat of state in 1922. He became of one two presecretaries to Pope Pius XII, and from 1954 to 1963 was Archbishop of Milan. He worked to improve relations between workers and employers and social relations more generally. In 1958 he became a Cardinal. As Pope he contined the reforms of John XXII, reconvening the Second Vatican Council and supervising reforms including the vernacularization and reform of the liturgy. -Patron Saints Index, www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pope0262.htm. -D. Tout-Smith 16/9/2003.

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