Oldest Candle-Maker in Country Crafts Papal Candle for the Faithful

Candle-maker entrusted with Papal candle to commemorate Pope's U.S. visit

PHOENIX, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Pope Benedicts XVI's pilgrimage to the United States, Will & Baumer, the oldest candle maker in America, was entrusted with the task of fashioning a hand-made, finely-crafted paschal candle to be used at the Holy Father's Mass in Washington, D.C.

The exquisitely hand-crafted and hand-decorated commemorative candle stands 60" tall and features the fine details of the Coat of Arms of Pope Benedict XVI, the Coat of Arms of the Archbishop of Washington, Donald W. Wuerl, decorative gold-colored filigree, and writing commemorating the Apostolic Papal visit.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080417/LATH119)

"We are honored that the Archdiocese of Washington trusted us to create this piece for Pope Benedict's Mass at the Washington Nationals Stadium," said Jeffrey Fields of Will & Baumer. "We are so excited to serve a small role in the Holy Father's first visit to the United States."

For a limited time, Catholic faithful across the nation will have the opportunity to purchase an exact replica of the paschal candle used during Pope Benedict XVI's Mass in Washington, D.C. It will serve as a wonderful reminder of His Holy Father's first visit to U.S. soil as Pope. Catholics can purchase the commemorative candle through their local church goods retailer.

About Will & Baumer

For over 150 years, Will & Baumer has manufactured premium candles for the Church. From humble beginnings in a Syracuse, NY backyard, Will & Baumer grew to become a leading candle manufacturer throughout the 20th century. Many patents and processes now standard to the industry were pioneered at Will & Baumer. Though times have changed, our mission has not -- to create light in the Church through burning of premium quality candles.

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Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080417/LATH119
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN21
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Will & Baumer

CONTACT: Derrek Hofrichter of Gordon C. James Public Relations,
+1-602-274-1988, dhofrichter@gcjpr.com, for Will & Baumer

2008-04-17 23:46:08 0339321 PRNEWSWIRE