“A Stamp Tribute to John Paul II”
on Blu-Ray and DVD
Written by Anthony Sales
Collector & Exhibitor: “A Pilgrim’s Journey – Pope John Paul II”
Early this year the Knights of Columbus Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council 12158, Ottawa organised the philatelic
exhibition “A Pilgrim’s Journey – Pope John Paul II” by Bro. Anthony Sales of the Archbishop Duke Council 6855,
Richmond BC. This exhibition was sponsored by the Polish Embassy in Ottawa and the Canadian Polish Congress.
Past Grand Knight Michael O’Neill of the Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council, Ottawa was responsible for coordinating all the efforts which resulted in a very successful exhibition in the nation’s capital.
This 160 frames exhibition was held from April 01-04, 2011 at the Saint Patrick’s Basilica, 281 Nepean Street,
Ottawa and was inaugurated by Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie. The Apostolic Nuncio Pedro Lopez
Quintana, the Polish Ambassador Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz and other members of the Diplomatic Corp attended
the opening. Held just one month before the beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 01, 2011, this exhibition
covered the entire life and ministry of His Holiness through stamps and other philatelic items issued by world
postal administrations since 1979.
This philatelic display dedicated to Blessed John Paul II is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD disk and is entitled
“A Stamp Tribute to John Paul II”. The length of this video is 59 minutes. This high definition production was
shot for the Knights of Columbus, Saint Patrick Basilica Council, Ottawa by renowned Canadian Cinematographer
and producer Roland K. Pirker who spent countless hours during the exhibition to capture the beauty of the
stamps depicting Pope John Paul II. The historical story comes alive as we watch a philatelic journey of the late
pontiff on his 104 travels around the world. The script for this DVD is written by Bro. Anthony Sales. The
Gregorian Chants sung by the Choir of the Monks of Saint Benoit-du-Lac, Quebec and the amazing rendering of
“Song for Karol” by award-winning/songwriter and Catholic missionary Mark Mallett and Raylene Scarrott
(Juno–nominee 2004) of Alberta, Canada provides the back ground music for this DVD.
The production of this DVD was made possible by the kind generosity of Brother Knight William Zlepnig who
sponsored the entire project and all proceeds from the sale of this DVD will go towards the fundraising for the
restoration work at the Saint Patrick’s Basilica, Ottawa. The production of this DVD was also co-ordinated by
able Past Grand Knight Michael O’Neill of the Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council, Ottawa. The first official showing of
the DVD was held on Sunday November 20, 2011 at The Southway Inn, corner of Bank and Hunt Club, Ottawa
which was well attended.
The DVD will be available to all Knight of Columbus members and the general public through the Knights of
Columbus Councils in Canada and the United States. The Knight of Columbus members worldwide will also be
able acquire and view this beautiful production dedicated to our beloved John Paul II who touched the lives and
hearts of so many people around the world.
For more information contact:
Anthony Sales
8 – 8640 Blundell Road
Richmond BC
Canada
V6Y 1K1
Email: sales0684@shaw.ca