October 24 Civic Ceremony to confer on Pope Benedict XVI the Key to the Commune of Manoppello

Another key is ready to be handed over to the apostolic keeper of the keys. This time it is to be granted by the civic officials of the Commune of Manoppello where the Holy Face of Christ is always on display. The inspiration for the design of the key is taken from the great work of art by Perugino in the Sistine Chapel which shows Christ handing over the keys to Peter. The ceremony is to take place Sunday October 24 at the Church of San Nicola in Manoppello where tradition holds that the Holy Face was given to a citizen of Manoppello in 1506 by an angelic personage. The Vatican Band will be part of the ceremonies which will continue at the Basilica of the Holy Face with the unveiling of a monument in stone to commemorate the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the Shrine of the Holy Face on September 1, 2006. Also during the ceremonies the piazza adjoining the Basilica will be named Piazza Papa Benedetto XVI in his honor. The key will be received by Pope Benedict himself on November 3 at the Wednesday audience.