These alabaster bookends feature St. Monica, the devout mother of St. Augustine, as well as a prayer for mothers. Able to keep heavy books in line, they both organize and decorate your home. This pair of bookends makes the perfect personal gift for all mothers, especially those with children going through troubling times or who have left the faith.

The original artwork, "Santa Monica", was painted by Luis Tristian, a student of El Greco, in 1616.

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:

"Saint Monica, Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perserveringly pursued your wayward son, not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers s that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to the Heart of your Holy Son and to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have wandered away. Amen. "

(BKE-461)