Description

CHRIST IN OUR LIFE: A powerful symbol of Christ in our life, wear on a chain or cord as a choker or put on a chaplet or key chain.

FISH (ICHTHYS): The fish is an ancient symbol of Christians and of Christ, fisher of men and women. The Greek word for fish (ICHTHYS) is an acronym that was used by the early Christians as a shorthand symbol for their faith.

SHELL: A wonderful gift for baptism or is an ideal gift for someone about to embark on a pilgrimage, with its compact and stylish design. The scallop shell has a long history of usage as a pilgrimage symbol, and that makes it ideal for a pilgrimage gift. The pendant is small, just over an inch, and comes on a stylish 28-inch leather cord. Whether it is a gift for yourself or a loved one, share this gift and the history of the symbol of the scallop to enrich the pilgrimage.

Part of our Creator Mundi Collection.

WE ARE ALL PILGRIMS: A PILGRIMAGE GIFT:  This pendant of the scallop shell was worn by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The shell is both a symbol of baptism (as used by St. John the Baptist) and as a symbol of pilgrimage since thirsty pilgrims used the shell to draw to water to drink as they made their way to the shrine.

Even if you or a loved one are not going on a physical pilgrimage any time soon, this is still a poignant gift, reminding us that we are all pilgrims, and we all must stop to drink the water of life of the Living God. Because of its small size and stylish design, this pilgrimage pendant is extremely popular with young people. Give it as a confirmation gift or an end of the year gift.

EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: Saint James (in Spanish, Santiago) is the patron saint of Spain. According to ancient local tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to James while he was preaching the Gospel in Iberia. Afterwards, Saint James returned to Judea where he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in 44 a.d. According to tradition, his remains were miraculously transported back to Spain where they are now enshrined in the Church of Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrimage route to this shrine – El camino de Santiago de Compostela – has been traveled by pilgrims since 900 A.D. The scallop shell (depicted here on the pilgrim staff of St. James) is worn by pilgrims on their way to this shrine. The shell is both a symbol of baptism (as used by St. John the Baptist) and as a symbol of pilgrimage since thirsty pilgrims used the shell to draw water to drink as they made their way to the shrine. (For a modern depiction of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, see the moving film The Way by Emilio Estevez, which has Martin Sheen making this pilgrimage as a bereaved father.)

ABOUT BUTZON BERCKER: Butzon & Bercker started out as a publishing company in 1870 and by 1920, began to incorporate fine religious art. By 1930, they had added a woodworking shop to their religious art production. A foundry was incorporated in 1958 and they began to design and cast bronze religious art. Now Butzon & Bercker has over 80 artists, including blacksmiths, and 25 master artists who work in the foundry seeing each piece from casting to polishing, from beginning to the end. They design and cast a fine collection of religious art that range from small wearable pendants to appointments for churches.

PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE:

JPS.6061: CHRIST IN OUR LIFE (shown left) = $25 your special price $24 ONLY (4) LEFT IN STOCK (TO BE DISCONTINUED)

(actual size: 1 in. H x 1 in. W)

JPS.6062: FISH (ICTHUS) (shown right) = $25 your special price $24 ONLY (4) LEFT IN STOCK (TO BE DISCONTINUED)

(actual size: 1.325 in. H x 1.325 in. W)

JPS.6063: SHELL (shown top) = $28 your special price $27  SOLD OUT

(actual size: 1.6250 in. H x 1.4375 in. W, including bail)