Shaw Floors offered consumers a 6-inch commemorative swatch of the white and silver Shaw carpet used on the stage in Philadelphia where Pope Francis conducted the final Mass of his recent trip to the U.S.

“We wanted to extend the life of this special carpet,” said Dani Brock, Shaw's director of retail marketing. “There was tremendous demand for the carpet Pope Benedict XVI walked on in 2008, and we wanted to create an opportunity for others to secure a meaningful keepsake from Pope Francis’ visit.”

Each swatch was accompanied by a commemorative certificate including the details of this historic event.

In exchange to the carpet swatch, Shaw encouraged recipients to make a donation of any amount to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, though one is not required. 

“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is very close to Shaw’s heart,” said Todd Callaway, Shaw's director of digital content. “We have been a St. Jude corporate partner since 2011, and though a donation is not required, we’re hoping this might benefit the organization.”

Shaw Floors worked with Ted Resnick of Flemington Department Store in Flemington, N.J., to provide the carpet for the event in Philadelphia. Shaw prepared 2,200 yards of specialty carpet for the papal visit.

According to the company, the giveaway was not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church or any other religious organization or entity.

For more information, visit shawfloors.com/popecarpet.