Handmade St. Paschal Figure in Kitchen

Product Description

Patron/Blesser of Cooks and Their Kitchens

Paschal Baylon (1540-92) was a Franciscan lay brother. Born on the border of Castile and Aragon of a poor shepherd family, he tended flocks as a youth. In his early twenties, he joined his religious order. His charity to the poor and afflicted and his humility and courtesy were extraordinary even by Franciscan standards. He worked as a gardener, doorkeeper, and cook, feeding the other friars and vast numbers of the poor who came to the door of the friary. His ability as a baker and cook–his capacity to take simple ingredients and make delicious food–became legendary. Poorly educated, his counsel was sought by the rich and poor alike. In this image, Paschal is shown at work in his kitchen, assisted by St. Martha, another patron of cooks (her image is in the tiny niche on the mantle).
The piece was hand carved by Hank Schlau and cast by him. It was then hand painted by Karen Schlau. Each piece comes boxed along with a history card. This piece measures 9 x 4 x 2 inches and can either hang or stand.