Palestine 1940 Catechism Competition Medal III – Latin Patriarchate Jerusalem For Sale

RARE PALESTINE CATECHISM COMPETITION AWARD – III

Offered here is a rare and historically significant Palestine Catechism Competition award, bearing the Arabic inscription:

مسابقة التعليم المسيحي

“Catechism / Christian Religious Education Competition”

The center bears the Roman numeral III, which appears to designate a prize/ranking within the competition.

The piece is made of yellow brass, with a cast construction and smooth edge. The III is an original part of the design, not a later engraving.

Historical Context

Historical documentation confirms that catechism competitions were held among students of the Latin Catholic schools in Palestine during the British Mandate period.

A documented competition was held in Jerusalem and Bethlehem on 11–12 May 1940, organized by Luigi Barlassina, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, for students of the Latin schools throughout Palestine. Historical biographical records state that Botros (Peter) al-Mu’allim won first place and received valuable prizes.

The competition itself was not limited to 1940; academic research documents catechism competitions in Jerusalem as early as 1926, with participation continuing during the 1930s.

This example is therefore best described as a Palestine Catechism Competition award from the British Mandate period, associated with the documented 1940 competition.

Specifications

* Region: Palestine / Holy Land

* Historical period: British Mandate Palestine

* Associated event: Catechism Competition, Jerusalem & Bethlehem

* Documented competition date: 11–12 May 1940

* Religious institution: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

* Patriarch: Luigi Barlassina

* Inscription: مسابقة التعليم المسيحي

* Award marking: III

* Material: Yellow brass / brass alloy

* Construction: Cast

* Weight: Approximately 11 grams

* Diameter: Approximately 30 mm

* Edge: Smooth

* Suspension hole: None

* Maker’s mark: None visible

The piece shows natural age, patina, surface wear and marks consistent with an old cast brass item. Please examine all photographs carefully.

Historical significance

A scarce piece connected to the history of Palestinian Christian education, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Catholic schools and the Holy Land during the British Mandate.

An unusual collectible for specialists in:

Palestine • British Mandate • Jerusalem • Bethlehem • Holy Land • Latin Patriarchate • Catholic History • Christian History • Religious Education • Historical Medals • Awards & Tokens

Please note: The 1940 competition itself is historically documented, but the exact year in which this particular example was manufactured has not been independently established. The item is therefore offered as an award associated with the Palestine Catechism Competition / British Mandate period, with the 1940 event being the specifically documented competition.