These alabaster bookends feature legendary St. Christopher and the U.S. Navy's hymn and prayer, "For Those in Peril on the Sea". Keeping heavy books in line, they both organize and decorate your home. This pair of bookends makes the perfect personal Catholic gift for the active or veteran Sailor in your life.

St. Christopher is named the patron saint of travelers and all far from home due to the story of his conversion. He was a strong man and would carry people across the river. A child came, but as Christopher carried Him, it felt as if was holding the entire world. The child revealed Himself as Jesus, who bore the weight of the world's sins.

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 and will last for years to come.

Each measures roughly 6"x8", including the 4"x6" inset image plaque, and is 3" deep.

Text:
"Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep;
Oh hear us when we cry to thee, for those in peril on the sea.
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease, and give for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea!
Oh Christ! Whose voice the waters heard and hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked on the foaming deep, and calm amidst its rage did sleep;
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea!
Oh Trinity of love and power! Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest. fire and foe, protect them wheresoer'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee, glad hymns of praise from Land and Sea."

( BKE-NVY1492A )