Parade of Saints

I've received some requests for information on my statues that have been pictured here on my blog. First a disclaimer: Some people like to have a multitude of religious images in their home and some don't. I get that. I like pretty things and specifically like to collect religious images that I think are lovely. I don't think it makes me holier or more Catholic, in fact, it probably just means that I need many more helpful reminders to turn my thoughts heavenward than most people. : )

With a few exceptions, I love realistic looking art. But I also love color and so these Florentine statues usually catch my eye whenever we are shopping for images of our heavenly friends. They come in different sizes which is great for the budget and McKay Church Supply has one of the largest online selections I've seen. Many of ours were purchased from a Catholic book store that was closing it's doors several years ago although some were gifts. I have to admit that I wish their faces were more life-like and less child-like, but again, I love the colors and details on these statues.

Back row: St. John Bosco, St. Joseph
Middle row: Infant of Prague, Mary Help of Christians, Our Lady of Knock
Front row: St. Therese, Mary Help of Christians, Padre Pio, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

This next small set is a few Fontanini statues. Not pictured are the Holy Family Nativity set that is somewhere I can't find right now. I like these statues because I can put them in reach of small children and not be afraid. While not completely unbreakable, this polymer resin stuff sure is tough. My children have always been taught to be gentle and respectful when it come to handling religious images, but these are not so fragile that I would worry if a toddler got a hold of them and played with them.

From front to back: The Professor's St. Francis and St. Michael, my kitchen Madonna

These are all different and vary in age, but I also love all white, or mostly white, statues. We even have an all white plaster nativity scene with gold accents that I just can't seem to replace. Every year, I think about it when the bright colored, beautiful nativity sets start showing up in stores, but the all white is simple, clean and beautiful.

This last set is of the most recent additions to our collection. My mom was the first one to give us a Joseph's Studio statue and I can't tell you how in love I am with all of them! Lovely realistic images, beautiful colors, an antique feel!!! The First Communion statue was Grammie's gift to Sunshine and St. Anne belongs to Shortcake.

Back row: St. Patrick & St. Nicholas
Front row: St. Anne, First Holy Communion, Mater Amabilis

We do try to limit our collection to personal family patrons or statues that mean something to us, but sometimes, the will is weak and beauty wins!

Since All Hallows Eve is coming up at the end of this month, and my children's talk has turned to costume thoughts and plans for All Saints Day, feel free to share your images of heavenly friend with us. It might inspire them! Leave a link in the combox and I will update this post to include it.