These alabaster bookends depict Junipero Serra, a missionary of California. Keeping heavy books in line, they both organize and decorate your home. This pair of bookends makes the perfect personal gift to any person with a devotion to this great saint.

Saint Junipero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis on September 23rd, 2015 during a historic mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Junipero Serra was a Spanish-born Franciscan Friar known for starting nine Spanish missions in California in the 1700's. He spread the Gospel, taught new farming methods to the Native Americans in the region, and is the first Saint to be canonized on United States soil.

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

Text reads:

"O God, who by your love of the American people filled the priest Saint Junipero Serra with apostolic zeal and fervor, blessing the fruits of his labors in Mexico and California, and firmly establishing your Church in their midst, grant that by his intercession, we may carry forward the light of Christ to all peoples, be they foreign or domestic, and in doing so bring honor to your Son and glory to your Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen."

(BKE-453)