Saint John I Mug

This Saint John I mug recalls a pope whose story was shaped by relations between Rome, Constantinople and the Ostrogothic kingdom. It can be a gift for someone named John or interested in Church history. The photograph of the reliquary bust and the text on the reverse identify the pope to whom you dedicate the gift, giving you a reference for a personal conversation.

A photograph of a reliquary bust

The image shows the bust kept in the New Cathedral of Coimbra, Portugal. He wears a red and gold papal tiara and pontifical vestments, with his right hand raised. This sculptural representation links the reminder with a devotional object and the saint's memory beyond the places where he lived.

John belonged to the Roman clergy before being elected pope. During his pontificate, Theodoric sent him to lead a delegation to Emperor Justin in Constantinople. The journey took place in a setting where religious differences and political interests were closely connected. His story offers an opportunity to talk about this period and relations between Christian communities in East and West.

His name, place of death and commemoration

The reverse carries his name, his death in Ravenna in 526 and his 18 May commemoration. Image and text form a prepared composition identifying the pope honoured by this celebration. Accompany the gift with a reading about Rome or the memory of a visit to Coimbra. Choose it for a name day or the recipient's interest in Christian heritage.

Before ordering, you can rotate the composition in the 3D viewer to examine the image and text from different angles. Selecting Both sides displays two opposing views of the same design, with rotation still available. Choose the handle orientation for a right-handed or left-handed user. The number of mugs you wish to receive is selected separately from the views shown.

We print the composition by sublimation. The printed text is in Spanish. Choose this gift for the name, history or devotion that connects you with its recipient, and accompany it with a few personal words about why you thought of them. Our collection of religious mugs includes other figures and celebrations, so you can dedicate each gift to someone in your family or community.

Image credits

• Reliquary bust of Pope Saint John I, kept in the New Cathedral of Coimbra, Portugal. Joseolgon · CC BY-SA 4.0.
• Source and licence on Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions

Which John appears on the mug?
Pope Saint John I, represented by the reliquary bust kept in Coimbra's New Cathedral.

What text appears on the reverse?
The name “San Juan I”, death in Ravenna in 526 and the 18 May commemoration.

Can I rotate the view showing both sides?
Yes. The Both sides mode displays two views of the same design and retains rotation in the 3D viewer.