These alabaster bookends feature a classic image of Pope St. John XXIII and a prayer written to celebrate his canonization. Able to keep heavy books in line, they both organize and decorate your home, making the perfect personal gift for all who want to honor this great saint.

The bookends are made from stone-cast alabaster here in our shop in Steubenville, Ohio. Alabaster is a building and decorating material created from the mineral gypsum that has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. It boasts an attractive smooth finish. 

Each measures roughly 6" x 8", including the 4"x 6" inset image plaque, and is 3" deep.

Text reads:

"Born: November 25, 1881

Ordained: August 10, 1904

Elected Pontiff: October 28, 1958

Died: June 3, 1963

Canonized: April 27, 2014

Heavenly Father, we offer You thanks and praise for the life of Your servant Angelo Roncalli, and for his conization by Your Holy Catholic Church.

As Pope John XXIII, he served Your Church as Successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ with humility, humor, and congeniality.

Grant, O Lord, that we may now seek his intercession as Pope St. John XXIII, and call upon this great Saint to further Your Kingdom upon the Earth. May we look to his example of love and personal holiness."

(BKE-24A)