Br. Sebastian’s Jesus Christ Symbol Bookmark

 Hand-crafted Leather Bookmark

Approximate size: 8” x 1.5”

Br. Sebastian made his solemn profession in 1965 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City.  In 1970 he was stationed there and expressed his desire to become a sandal maker.  He took shoe-making classes and eventually became a full-time sandal maker for Holy Name Province.  He has been making sandals and other leather-crafted items ever since.  

The leather is stamped with the image of symbol for Jesus Christ on the front and “Handmade by Sebastian” on the back.  The fish symbol contains the Greek letters for the word “fish” - IXOYE - pronounced ichthys in English. They are also the first five letters for The Greek words that make up the phrase, “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”  It is believed this symbol was a secret sign used by early Christians protect themselves when Christianity was considered a crime.