Norman Castle Holy Card Collection 1870s-1950s (bulk 1870s-1910s) MS.2005.054 https://hdl.handle.net/2345.2/MS2005-054
Archives and Manuscripts Department John J. Burns Library Boston College 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill 02467 library.bc.edu/burns/contact URL: http://www.bc.edu/burns Table of Contents
Summary Information ...... 3 Administrative Information ...... 4 Historical note: holy cards ...... 5 Biographical note ...... 6 Scope and Contents ...... 6 Arrangement ...... 7 Collection Inventory ...... 8 I: Jesus ...... 8 II: Mary ...... 11 III: Joseph ...... 14 IV: Saints and Blessed ...... 14 V: Sacraments ...... 17 VI: Angels ...... 19 VII: Holy Spirit ...... 19 VIII: Souvenirs (Flowers) ...... 20 IX: The Holy Family ...... 20 X: Other ...... 20
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 2 - Summary Information
Title: Norman Castle holy card collection ID: MS.2005.054 Date [inclusive]: 1870s-1950s (bulk 1870s-1910s) Date [bulk]: 1870-1910 Physical Description .5 Linear feet (2 Boxes) Language of the French, English, Latin, German, Spanish, Italian. Material: Abstract: The Norman Castle Holy Card Collection includes Catholic holy cards produced in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. These cards cover a variety of devotional subjects including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Saints, sacraments, angels, and the Holy Spirit. These cards were collected by Norman Castle, a Boston College librarian. Preferred Citation
Identification of item, Box number, Folder number, Norman Castle holy card collection, MS.2005.054, John J. Burns Library, Boston College.
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 3 - Administrative Information
Publication Information Processed by Sarah K. Nytroe, 2005. Revised by Mark Clemente, 2012; and Rachael Young in 2019. This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace.
Restrictions on access Collection is open for research.
Restrictions on use These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.
Provenance Because the current accessioning system was not used until January 1986, it is not possible to know exactly the dates of acquisition of materials received before that time.
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 4 - Historical note: holy cards
Holy cards are one of many religious objects intended to assist Roman Catholics in their prayer life and religious devotions. These religious objects were often exchanged between friends, given to an individual upon the conclusion of an important religious event, or given to children as rewards in school for good behavior and hard work. Moreover, holy cards served to commemorate these religious events and experiences, as well as deceased family members.
The modern holy card came into existence with the invention of the lithographic printing process in the late eighteenth century. In a short time, printers started experimenting with color printing processes, which came into wide use by the mid-nineteenth century. These printing processes opened the possibility for the mass production and the mass distribution of holy cards.
Several religious goods firms emerged in Europe in the nineteenth century to produce holy cards. Paris, France served as a central location for many of these firms. By 1862, the city was home to some 120 firms. The French firms relied heavily on the artistic style that came to be known as l'art saint sulpice.
The physical make-up of holy cards contributes to the content and functional use of the object. Physically, holy cards are primarily vertically oriented and pocket-sized - with dimensions measuring roughly 2.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches long. Because of the small size of holy cards they were commonly used as bookmarks in prayer books, kept in pockets, or displayed. Moreover, the easy access and content made holy cards good teaching tools for learning about saints and devotional practices.
The front side of the holy card includes an image of a religious figure, or pertains to religious events or sacraments. The back of the card was devoted to text of prayers, contemplations, explanations of religious figures or events, or indulgences. The back might also include a handwritten note from the giver to the recipient of the card. This reflects the manner in which holy cards were distributed as gifts.
Sources:
Bollig, Joe. "Holy Cards see resurgence in popularity." Catholic News Service. 19 April 2004.
Calamari, Barbara and Sandra DiPasqua. Holy Cards. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, 2004.
Devitt, Brent, compiler. "Introduction" to "Saints Unlimited: Holy Card Web Page," http:// www.donet.com/~devitt/card1.htm (24 October 2005).
McDannell, Colleen. Material Christianity: Religion and Popular Culture in America. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1995.
Petruzzelli, James F. "Catholic Holy Cards: Visual, Verbal, and Tactile Codes for the (In)Visible," in The Other Print Tradition: Essays on Chapbooks, Broadsides, and Related Ephemera. Edited by Cathy Lynn Preston and Michael J. Preston. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 1995.
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 5 - Biographical note
Norman Castle was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts to George T. and Theresa E. (Dorsey) Castle on December 31, 1908.
Castle earned his bachelor's degree in history from Boston College in 1930. While at Boston College, Castle - the "laughing philosopher" - participated in Sodality, the French Academy, and the History Academy. As an undergraduate student, he also worked in the college library during his first two years at Boston College, followed by two years as an Assistant Faculty Librarian.
In 1931, Castle joined the cataloging department at Boston College's Bapst Library and held the position of Head Cataloger. He continued his librarian education with certification in librarianship from the Massachusetts Library Association and from the Massachusetts State Department of Education, both in 1945. In 1967, Castle became the Boston College Planning Librarian, a position he held until his retirement in 1974.
Castle was involved in organizations that highlighted his interest in history. He was President of the Stow Historical Society, served as Quartermaster of the Stow Minutemen Company, and as Chairman of the Historical Committee of Minutemen Companies. As historian of the Minutemen Council, Castle played a crucial role in the publication of The Minutemen, 1775-1975 (1977). Moreover, Castle's participation in other community organizations included the Stow Boy Scouts, on the Executive Committee of the Stow Civic Club, and as Chairman on the Stow Council on Aging.
Castle died in San Francisco on December 6, 1984.
Scope and Contents
The collection contains 182 holy cards collected by Norman Castle. The cards in this collection address a wide range of devotional subjects including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Saints, the Holy Spirit, Angels, and the Sacraments. The majority of the holy cards were mass-produced in France and Germany, with only a few individually produced. Most of holy cards are undated, but the artistic styles employed in the production of the majority of them date from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Each holy card is described according to three different criteria: 1. Image description; 2. Text description; and, 3. Language. The primary category of organization of each card is a description of the devotional image on the front, rather than the title of the holy card. The next two categories indicate a description of the text (i.e. prayer, handwritten note, indulgence, explanation) on the back of the card, and the language(s) used on the holy card (many holy cards employ multiple languages).
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 6 - Arrangement
The collection is divided into ten series: I. Jesus, II. Mary, III. Joseph, IV. Saints and Blessed, V. Sacraments, VI. Angels, VII. Holy Spirit, VIII. Souvenirs (Flowers), IX. The Holy Family, and X. Other.
Series I. Jesus is divided into six subseries: Infant Jesus, Child Jesus, Adult Jesus, The Passion of Jesus, The Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Other.
Series II. Mary is divided into four subseries: Mary and Jesus; Mary, Our Lady of (various titles); Life Events and Feasts of Mary; and Qualities of Mary.
Series IV. Saints and Blessed is divided into three subseries: Male Saints; Female Saints; and Blessed, Venerable, and All Saints.
Series V. Sacraments is divided into three subseries: the Eucharist, Ordination, and Extreme Unction.
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 7 - Collection Inventory
Series I: Jesus, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series contains holy cards addressing the subject of Jesus. These holy cards span the life of Jesus including his infancy, childhood, adulthood, His Passion, as well as the Sacred Heart and other devotional subjects related to Jesus.
Subseries A: Infant Jesus, circa 1903 Scope and Contents
This subseries highlights the infancy of Jesus, particularly the nativity scene and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. These holy cards often depict the infant Jesus lying in a manger. Other images of the infant Jesus include the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague dressed in jeweled garb.
Nativity -- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Christmas Novelty Box 1 Folder 1 Advertisement. English, undated
Nativity -- Jesus, Mary, Joseph. Prayer. English, 1887 March 6 Box 1 Folder 2
Jesus sitting in a manger behind an altar. Souvenir -- Box 1 Folder 3 Ordination.German, English, undated
Birth of Jesus -- Mary looking over the infant Jesus. Box 1 Folder 4 Handwritten Note. English, Latin, undated
Birth of Jesus -- Angel overlooking Jesus with lamb. Prayer and Box 1 Folder 5 Handwritten Note. French, undated
Jesus sitting in a manger surrounded by two angels. Prayer. Box 1 Folder 6 French, English, 1904
Jesus lying in manger. Handwritten Note. English, undated Box 1 Folder 7
Woman looking up at the Infant Jesus. Prayer -- Contemplation Box 1 Folder 8 of the Infant Jesus. French, undated
Jesus lying in a manger. Handwritten Note. French, English, Box 1 Folder 9 undated
Jesus with the sacred heart, holding a cross, a crown of thorns, a Box 1 Folder 10 statue of Mary. Prayer. French, undated
Hands holding the Eucharist with image of Jesus in manger. Box 1 Folder 11 Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Hands holding the Eucharist with image of Jesus in manger. Box 1 Folder 12 Souvenir -- Ordination and First Solemn Mass. English, 1889 June 2
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 8 - Miraculous of Prague -- Infant Jesus dressed in royal garb and Box 1 Folder 13 crown. Blank. English, undated
Infant Jesus of Prague -- Prayer Text. Blank. English, undated Box 1 Folder 14
Jesus dressed in swaddling clothes and crown. Handwritten Box 1 Folder 15 Note. Italian, 1875-1899 [?]
Subseries B: Child Jesus Scope and Contents
This subseries addresses the childhood of Jesus. The holy cards depict Jesus as the Divine Shepherd standing among sheep, walking with another child, and feeding birds.
Jesus sitting in hay holding three nails. Blank. English, undated Box 1 Folder 16
Jesus sitting in cart with three angels behind him. Handwritten Box 1 Folder 17 Note. English, undated
Jesus holding a cross and walking with a child. Handwritten Box 1 Folder 18 Note. English, undated
The Divine Shepard -- Jesus holding a staff and standing among Box 1 Folder 19 sheep. Prayer. French, undated
Jesus feeding birds. Prayer. French, undated Box 1 Folder 20
Subseries C: Adult Jesus Scope and Contents
This subseries presents images of Jesus as an adult. The images include Jesus holding two rings of roses, holding a scepter, sitting at a table with a girl, and Jesus holding a cross and standing behind a girl.
Jesus sitting at a table with a woman and the cup and bread. Box 1 Folder 21 Prayer. French, undated
Jesus standing next to a child. Prayer and Handwritten Note. Box 1 Folder 22 French, English, undated
The Cross of Jesus -- Jesus holding cross and standing behind a Box 1 Folder 23 girl. Prayer. French, undated
Jesus sitting holding two rings of roses. Prayer. French, undated Box 1 Folder 24
Jesus standing holding a scepter. Prayer and Handwritten Note. Box 1 Folder 25 French, English, German, undated
Subseries D: Passion of Jesus
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 9 - Scope and Contents
This subseries highlights the events of the Passion of Jesus. Images include the Last Supper, the scourging of Jesus, the walk to Cavalry, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.
The Last Supper -- Jesus and the disciples sitting at a table. Box 1 Folder 26 Handwritten Note. Latin, 1873-1874
Scourging of Jesus by soldiers. Blank. German, undated Box 1 Folder 27
Jesus on Road to Calvary -- Jesus carrying the cross and meeting Box 1 Folder 28 Mary. Prayer and Handwritten Note. English, 1881 June
Crucifiction -- Jesus on the cross. Prayer. German, undated Box 1 Folder 29
Crucifiction -- Prayer Text. Blank. English, undated Box 1 Folder 30
Crown of Thorns -- Jesus crowned with thorns. Prayer and Box 1 Folder 31 Handwritten Note. French, 1877 Christmas
Crown of Thorns -- Jesus crowned with thorns. Prayer. French, Box 1 Folder 32 undated
Crown of Thorns -- Jesus crowned with thorns. Three Church Box 1 Folder 33 fathers looking at books with God the Father, Mary, and Angels looking down from heaven. German. Contains image on front and back of card, undated
Resurrection -- Jesus greeting Mary Magdalen at the Tomb. Box 1 Folder 34 Handwritten Note. English, 1914 Easter
Lamb of God -- Lamb lying on a cross. Prayer and Indulgence. Box 1 Folder 35 English, undated
Subseries E: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Scope and Contents
The subseries includes images of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The images of the Sacred Heart include the Sacred Heart alone, Jesus with the Sacred Heart, and the Sacred Heart with other people or objects.
Adult Jesus pointing to his sacred heart. Handwritten Note. Box 1 Folder 36 Spanish, English, 1880 October 12
Adult Jesus holding his sacred heart. Litany Text -- Litany of the Box 1 Folder 37 Sacred Heart of Jesus. French, English, 1900 October 2
Child looking upon a young Jesus and his sacred heart. Prayer. Box 1 Folder 38 French, English, undated
Child looking upon Jesus and his sacred heart. Prayer. French, Box 1 Folder 39 undated
Girl holding a cross and looking up to the sacred heart. Prayer Box 1 Folder 40 and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Child looking upon the sacred heart. Prayer. English, undated Box 1 Folder 41
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 10 - Sacred heart pierced by a knife and connected to an anchor. Box 1 Folder 42 Prayer. French, English, undated
Sacred heart illuminated by light, with cross lying on the Box 1 Folder 43 ground. Handwritten Note. French, undated
Sacred heart suspended in air with a cross above it, Indulgence. Box 1 Folder 44 Blank. English, undated
Hand painted image of the sacred heart, handwritten prayer. Box 1 Folder 45 Blank. English, undated
Sacred heart pierced by knife suspended over a lily. Prayer and Box 1 Folder 46 Indulgence. German, English, 1990 November 13
Sacred heart suspended over water fall, dove perched on a Box 1 Folder 47 branch. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1876 Christmas
Sacred heart with cross above it, Prayer. Prayer continued. Box 1 Folder 48 French, undated
Sacred heart surrounded by crown of thorns and a cross. Prayer Box 1 Folder 49 and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1877 Christmas
Sacred heart pierced by knife and bleeding. Prayer, Indulgence Box 1 Folder 50 and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Subseries F: Other Scope and Contents
This subseries includes various images related to Jesus. These images include Jesus as the Bridegroom, a woman praying over a cross, and Jesus the Mediator of Our Religion.
Jesus, the Mediator of Our Religion -- Hands holding the Box 1 Folder 51 Eucharistic cup and bread. Blank. Latin, undated
Rabboni (Good Lord) -- Prayer Text. Blank. English, undated Box 1 Folder 52
Jesus, the Bridegroom -- Girl dressed in wedding clothes Box 1 Folder 53 accepting ring bestowed from heaven. Prayer. French, English, undated
Child praying with rosary in hand and looking toward crown of Box 1 Folder 54 roses; cup pouring over his head. Beatitudes. French, German, and English, undated
Woman bent over and praying at a crucifix. Prayer. French, Box 1 Folder 55 undated
Dove suspended over a lily and a crown of thorns. Blank. Box 1 Folder 56 English, undated
Series II: Mary, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910)
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
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This series contains images related to Mary. These holy cards address the relevance of Mary within the Roman Catholic devotional world. Several images depict Mary and Jesus together, the events of Mary's life, feasts devoted to Mary, and qualities exhibited by Mary.
Subseries A: Mary and Jesus Scope and Contents
This subseries includes images of Mary with the infant or child Jesus. The images either depict Mary holding Jesus or a child looking upon Mary and Jesus together.
Mary holding the infant Jesus. Prayer and Handwritten Note. Box 1 Folder 57 French, Italian, 1885 May 30
Mary looking over the baby Jesus in the manger. Handwritten Box 1 Folder 58 Note. French, English, undated
Holy Mother of God -- A crowned Mary holding the infant Box 1 Folder 59 Jesus. Blank. German, English, undated
Divine Mother -- Mary holding the infant Jesus with the sacred Box 1 Folder 60 heart; a child looking upon Jesus. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1906 October 12
Mary holding the child Jesus with another child looking on. Box 1 Folder 61 Prayer. German, undated
Mary sitting with the child Jesus kneeling next to her. Prayer. Box 1 Folder 62 French, undated
Mary, Our Mother -- Mary holding the child Jesus, while Box 1 Folder 63 another child holding lilies looks up. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, undated
Subseries B: Mary, Our Lady of (Various Titles) Scope and Contents
This subseries highlights images of Mary as a patroness. These patroness titles include Our Lady of France, Grace, Good Counsel, Students, Counselor of Affliction, the Forsaken, and the Final Perseverance.
Our Lady of France -- A crowned Mary holding the infant Jesus. Box 1 Folder 64 Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Our Lady of Grace -- A crowned Mary standing and holding the Box 1 Folder 65-66 infant Jesus. Blank. French, undated
Our Lady of the Forsaken -- Mary sitting and holding the child Box 1 Folder 67 Jesus. Prayer. French, Spanish, 1876
Our Lady of Good Counsel -- Prayer Text. Blank. English, Box 1 Folder 68 undated
Our Lady of Students -- Mary sitting and Jesus standing and Box 1 Folder 69 holding a book. Prayer and Indulgence. Spanish, undated
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 12 - The Consoler of Affliction -- Mary holding the infant Jesus. Box 1 Folder 70 Prayer and Handwritten Note. Latin, French, English, undated
The Final Perseverance -- Mary holding a crucifix and Box 1 Folder 71 comforting a child. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Immaculate Heart of - Mary suspended in heaven with a sacred Box 1 Folder 72 heart and holding a lily; bouquet of flowers and rosary on a table surrounded by three doves. Handwritten Note. French, undated
Subseries C: Life Events and Feasts of Mary Scope and Contents
This subseries includes images related to the life and feasts of Mary. These subjects include the virginity of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, and the Crowning of Mary.
The Virgin -- A young girl dressed in white clothes with a crown Box 1 Folder 73 of roses and holding a rosary; surrounding scenes of a baptism and communion. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1876 Christmas
The Chaste Virgin -- Mary holding Jesus with another child Box 1 Folder 74 looking upon them. Blank. French, undated
The Immaculate Conception -- A woman praying at the Lourdes Box 1 Folder 75 Grotto with statue of Mary. Prayer. French, 1867 October 30
Assumption of Mary -- Mary being assumed into heaven by two Box 1 Folder 76 angels. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1877 Christmas
Crowning of Mary -- Mary holding the infant Jesus and being Box 1 Folder 77 crowned by Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God in heaven. Blank. German, undated
Crowning of Mary -- The fifth glorious mystery of the rosary Box 1 Folder 78 of Mary being crowned by Jesus surrounded by angels. Blank. German, undated
Subseries D: Qualities of Mary Scope and Contents
This subseries contains holy cards that include images of Mary in relation to the virtuous qualities she exhibited. These qualities include charity, patience, suffering, and simplicity.
Charity -- Mary placing a blanket over a destitute man. Prayer. Box 1 Folder 79 French, undated
Mary sitting with three children, each holding pieces of paper Box 1 Folder 80 with the qualities of Mary. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 13 - Medal of the Child of -- Image of medal with Mary surrounded Box 1 Folder 81 by angels. Explanation -- Use of the medal. French, 1876 December 25
Simplicity and Patience -- Mary riding in cart pulled by two Box 1 Folder 82 young boys. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, 1876 Christmas
Mother of Suffering -- Head image of Mary. Unidentifiable Box 1 Folder 83 Text, Scripture Passage. Hungarian, 1895 November 1
Series III: Joseph, 1870s-1950s (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
The series includes images of Joseph. A majority of the holy cards depict Joseph holding the child Jesus. Another holy card depicts Joseph on his deathbed surrounded by Jesus and Mary.
Joseph holding the infant Jesus with three people looking to them Box 1 Folder 85 from purgatory. Prayer. English, German, undated
Joseph holding the infant Jesus. Prayer and Indulgence. French, Box 1 Folder 85 English, undated
Joseph standing and holding the infant Jesus surrounded by two Box 1 Folder 86 angels holding lilies. Blank. German, undated
Joseph pulling his cloak around a sleeping Jesus. Prayer. French, Box 1 Folder 87 English, undated
Joseph, Saint, Father and Consoler -- Joseph standing and holding Box 1 Folder 88 the infant Jesus. Prayer. French, English, undated
Jesus and Mary looking upon Joseph upon his death. Prayer. Box 1 Folder 89 French
Series IV: Saints and Blessed, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series highlights the saints within Roman Catholic devotions. These hold cards include images of the saints and their related symbols or activities. The series also includes holy cards depicting blessed and venerable persons.
Subseries A: Male Saints Scope and Contents
This subseries includes holy cards of male saints, and are arranged alphabetically. Male saints in this subseries include Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Bernard, Francis de Sales, Aloysius Gonzaga, Ignatius of Loyola, Anthony of Padua, and Vincent de Paul.
Assisi, Saint Francis -- Sacred heart suspended over Assisi and Box 2 Folder 7 skull; Assisi being pierced by the wounds of the crucified Jesus. Explanation -- Assisi's life. English, undated
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 14 - Aquinas, Saint Thomas -- Aquinas standing and holding a pen Box 2 Folder 2 and book. Prayer. French, undated
Bernard, Saint -- Bernard kneeling and praying next to a cross. Box 2 Folder 3 Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Borromeo, Saint Charles -- Borromeo standing and holding a Box 2 Folder 4 cross. Blank. English, undated
Dominic, Angel, and Francis, Saints -- Dominic, Angel, and Box 2 Folder 5 Francis kneeling and praying before a crucifix. Explanation -- of lives of Dominic, Angel, and Francis. English, undated
Francis de Sales, Saint -- de Sales praying. Handwritten Note. Box 2 Folder 6 English, undated
Francis de Sales, Saint -- Head image of de Sales. Prayer. Box 2 Folder 7 French, English, undated
George, Saint -- Jesus laying a wreath on George surrounded Box 2 Folder 8 by angels, and George with his foot on the neck of the dragon. Souvenir -- Ordination and First Solemn Mass. German, English, 1889 March 16
Gonzaga, Saint Aloysisu -- Gonzaga with his arms folded across Box 2 Folder 9 his chest. Blank. German, English, undated
Gonzaga, Saint Aloysius -- Gonzaga standing and holding a Box 2 Folder 10 crucifix. Prayer. English, undated
Gonzaga, Saint Aloysisu -- Gonzaga standing and holding a Box 2 Folder 11 crucifix. Handwritten Note. English, undated
Kostka, Saint Stanislaus -- Kostka kneeling and receiving Box 2 Folder 12 Communion from an angel. Explanation -- of the Mass. English, undated
Loyola, Saint Ignatius of -- Loyola holding a book. Prayer. Box 2 Folder 13 French, German, undated
Loyola, Saint Ignatius of -- Loyola holding a book. Prayer. Box 2 Folder 14 English, undated
Blessed Martin de Porres -- Porres looking up; with relic. Call Box 2 Folder 15 for petitions and favors. English, undated
Matthew, the Evangelist -- Matthew writing in book with a Box 2 Folder 16 person next to him. Prayer. French, 1876 Christmas
Padua, Saint Anthony of -- Anthony bowing before a child Box 2 Folder 17 holding a cross. Handwritten Note. German, English, undated
Padua, Saint Anthony of -- Padua kneeling and praying at a table Box 2 Folder 18 surrounded by angels. Blank. German, Italian, undated
Vianney, Saint John Baptist -- Head image of Vianney; with Box 2 Folder 19 relic. Prayer. French, undated
Vincent de Paul, Saint -- Head image of Vincent. Blank. French, Box 2 Folder 20 undated
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 15 - Vincent de Paul, Saint -- Vincent blessing three kneeling Box 2 Folder 21 women before their departure for missions. Explanation -- of the departure of Daughters of Charity into foreign missions. English, undated
Subseries B: Female Saints Scope and Contents
This subseries includes holy cards of female saints, and are arranged alphabetically. Female saints include Gertrude, Genevieve, Teresa, and Ursula.
Alacoque, Saint Margaret Mary -- Margaret Mary kneeling Box 2 Folder 22 before the Sacred Heart of Jesus; with text. Blank. German, undated
Galgani, Gemma Saint -- Galgani kneeling with a crucifix in her Box 2 Folder 23 hand. Prayer -- Composed by Galgani. English, undated
Genevieve, Saint -- Genevieve praying. Litany of Saint Box 2 Folder 24 Genevieve. French, undated
Gertrude, Saint -- Gertrude surrounded by angels and holding Box 2 Folder 25 the sacred heart with the infant Jesus within it. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1889 Easter
Louise, Saint -- Louise holding a cross and lilies. Prayer. French, Box 2 Folder 26 1948 May 20
Teresa of Jesus, Saint -- Teresa standing with her hand next to Box 2 Folder 27 her heart. Blank. German, undated
Teresa, Saint -- Teresa standing and holding a cross with a Box 2 Folder 28 statue of Mary and the infant Jesus behind her. Prayer. English, undated
Ursula, Saint -- Women looking upon the pierced heart of Box 2 Folder 29 Ursula. Explanation -- Life of Ursula. French, undated
Walburga, Saint -- Walburga standing holding a staff and a Box 2 Folder 30 book. Blank. German, undated
Subseries C: Blessed, Venerable, and All Saints Scope and Contents
This subseries includes holy cards of men formally recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as blessed or venerable, the two steps of official recognition prior to beatification to sainthood. Holy cards in this subseries include Blessed Father André Bessette, Venerable Father Adolf Petit, and Blessed Father Miguel Pro.
Saints -- Woman kneeling and praying with the saints Box 2 Folder 31 proceeding down from heaven. Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Indulgence. French, English, undated
Bessette, Blessed Father André -- Photograph of Bessette. Box 2 Folder 32 Prayer. French, 1937 January 14
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 16 - Petit, Venerable Father Adolf -- Photograph of Petit. Prayer, Box 2 Folder 33 Call for Beatification. English, 1931 June 26
Petit, Venerable Father Adolf -- Container holding a relic of Box 2 Folder 34 Petit, a piece of clothing. Blank. English, 1914 May 20
Pro, Blessed Father Miguel -- Drawing of Pro, and depiction of Box 2 Folder 35 Pro's martyrdom. Prayer. English, circa 1927-1228
Series V: Sacraments, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series highlights the sacraments as subjects of devotion or remembrance as depicted on the holy cards.
Subseries A: Eucharist Scope and Contents
This subseries contains holy cards with images focused upon the Eucharist. Common images on these holy cards include the Communion cup and host, shafts of wheat and grapevines, and the presence of the priest. One holy card depicts a child climbing the altar to open the tabernacle door.
Communion cup and host suspended among clouds surrounded Box 2 Folder 36 by shafts of wheat. Souvenir -- Ordination. English, 1901 June 27
Angels looking down upon the Communion cup and the Box 2 Folder 37 host with an image of the infant Jesus within it. Souvenir -- Ordination. English, 1897 December 17
Communion cup and host. Souvenir -- Ordination. English, 1901 Box 2 Folder 38 June 27
Communion cup and host. Souvenir -- Ordination. English, 1897 Box 2 Folder 39 December 17
Communion cup surrounding by a shaft of wheat and blue Box 2 Folder 40 ribbon. Hymn to the Sacred Heart. French, English, undated
Communion cup and host sitting on an altar surrounded Box 2 Folder 41 by shafts of wheat, grape vines, and lilies. Souvenir -- for Ordination and First Solemn Mass. English, 1903 June 6-7
Communion cup and host suspended among clouds, surrounded Box 2 Folder 42 by grape vines and shafts of wheat. Souvenir -- Ordination. English, 1897 December 17
Priest holding the Eucharist with an image of the infant Jesus Box 2 Folder 43 surrounded by angels. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Priest holding Communion cup and host. Souvenir -- Ordination Box 2 Folder 44 and First Solemn Mass. Latin, English, 1893 September 26-27
Jesus suspended over shafts of wheat and holding the host. Box 2 Folder 45 Prayer. German, undated
Norman Castle Holy Card Collection MS.2005.054
- Page 17 - Jesus suspended over shafts of wheat and holding the host. Box 2 Folder 46 Prayer. German, undated
Child climbing the altar to open the tabernacle with statue Box 2 Folder 47 of Mary and the Infant Jesus in the background. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Angel kneeling at altar; Communion cup and host sitting on Box 2 Folder 48 the altar in front of the tabernacle. Handwritten Note. English, undated
Priest standing at the altar and holding up the Communion Box 2 Folder 49 host; Crucified Jesus suspended above the altar. Souvenir, Handwritten Note -- for Ordination and First Solemn Mass. English, 1930 June 22
Communion cup and host sitting on altar surrounded by shafts Box 2 Folder 50 of wheat and grape vines; Sacred Heart suspended within the Communion host surrounded by angels. Handwritten Note. Latin, English, 1887 June 4
Girl kneeling and looking upon the Communion cup and host; Box 2 Folder 51 vase of flowers in the foreground. Prayer. French, undated
Girl kneeling and looking up to Mary and the Infant Jesus Box 2 Folder 52 suspended in clouds; Infant Jesus holds the Communion cup and host. Prayer. French, undated
Subseries B: Ordination Scope and Contents
This subseries contains holy cards that serve as souvenirs or tokens of remembrance of the Sacrament of Ordination. The images on these holy cards include the ordination of a priest by the bishop, multiple scenes of ordination, and various symbols relating to the sacrament.
Four scenes of a bishop ordaining a priest. Prayer. Latin, 1882 Box 2 Folder 53 December 17-23
Four scenes of a bishop ordaining a priest. Prayer and Box 2 Folder 54 Handwritten Note. Latin, 1882 December 17-23
Priest offering the Eucharistic sacrifice at the altar, before the Box 2 Folder 55 crucified Jesus and the those in heaven. Souvenir -- Ordination. Latin, English, 1881
Bishop ordaining a priest surrounded by witnesses and Box 2 Folder 56-57 the angels in heaven. Prayer -- for Ordination. Latin, 1882 December 15
Bishop ordaining a priest surrounded by witnesses and the Box 2 Folder 58 angels in heaven. Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1882 December 15
Jesus, Eternal Priest Prayer Text. Handwritten Note. English, Box 2 Folder 59 1930 June 18
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- Page 18 - Prayer book, Communion cup and host sitting on altar in front of Box 2 Folder 60 the tabernacle; with shafts of wheat and grape vines. Souvenir -- Ordination. English, 1930 June 18
Symbols of Ordination. Explanation -- Holy Orders. French, Box 2 Folder 61 1882 December 17-23
Priestly garments, cross, bowl, and scissors lying on a table. Box 2 Folder 62-63 Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, 1882 December 15
Cross in the background with the Communion cup and host Box 2 Folder 64 surrounded by shafts of wheat and grapevines. Souvenir -- Ordination and First Solemn Mass. Latin, English, 1892 May 20-22
Priest holding Communion cup and host. Souvenir -- Ordination Box 2 Folder 65 and First Solemn Mass. Latin, English, 1889 June 1-2
Subseries C: Extreme Unction Scope and Contents
This subseries includes holy cards pertaining to the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, what is contemporarily known as the Anointing of the Sick. The holy cards include images of a sick or dying person lying in bed being administered to by Jesus.
Jesus administering to a woman lying in bed. Prayer and Box 2 Folder 66 Handwritten Note. French, English, undated
Jesus giving communion to a woman lying sick in bed. Prayer. Box 2 Folder 67 French, undated
Series VI: Angels, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series contains holy cards that focus on angels. The holy cards often depict the angel in the role of a guardian or protector over a child in travel or sickness.
Angel leading a child across a bridge with mountains and a castle Box 2 Folder 68 in the background. Handwritten Note. German, undated
The Good Angel -- Angel standing behind a child and holding its Box 2 Folder 69 hand over the child; Angel holds a spear pierced through a snake. Prayer. French, undated
Angel looking over a sick child lying in bed, looking to heaven Box 2 Folder 70 and holding a cross. Prayer. French, undated
Series VII: Holy Spirit, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910)
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This series contains holy cards that focus on the Holy Spirit. The images on the holy cards all include a dove as the symbol of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, some of the holy cards focus on the relationship of the Holy Spirit to science.
Dove suspended over water with trees on the edge of the water. Box 2 Folder 71 Prayer and Handwritten Note. French, English, 1876 Christmas
Dove suspended over the Decalogue tablets surrounded by Box 2 Folder 72 grapevines and the Sacred Heart. Prayer. French, German, undated
Dove suspended in clouds. Prayer. French, English, undated Box 2 Folder 73
Series VIII: Souvenirs (Flowers), 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series contains a few holy cards that functioned as souvenirs from particular holy places within the Roman Catholic tradition. These holy cards hold pressed flowers from Bethlehem, Mount Sion, and Paray-le-Monial.
Pressed flowers from Mount Sion. Explanation -- Gospel Box 2 Folder 74 memories associated with Mount Sion. English, 1908 June 23
Pressed flowers from Paray-le-Monial. Explanation -- Promises to Box 2 Folder 75 those devoted to the Sacred Heart. French, 1890
Pressed flowers of Bethlehem. Blank. French, undated Box 2 Folder 76
Series IX: The Holy Family, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series contain two holy cards pertaining to the Holy Family. The image on these cards include Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, with a dove suspended above them.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph standing with the Holy Spirit as a dove Box 2 Folder 77 above them. Prayer and Advertisement. English, undated
Mary and Joseph standing and holding Jesus' hand with the Holy Box 2 Folder 78 Spirit as a dove above them. Prayer and Indulgence. French, English, undated
Series X: Other, 1870s-1950s, undated (1870-1910) Scope and Contents
This series contains holy cards that cover a variety of subjects that did not fit easy categorization. Image subjects within this series include the Fort Ste. Marie Shrine, unidentified men and women, holy women who were not saints, papal infallibility, and death.
Shrine for Martyrs' John de Brebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, and Box 2 Folder 79-80 Charles Garnier, Blessed Martyrs. Prayer -- for Jesuit Martyrs and Canonization. English, undated
Handwritten prayer and hand painted flowers. Blank. English, Box 2 Folder 81 undated
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- Page 20 - Woman kneeling and praying. Prayer. English, undated Box 2 Folder 82
Nun standing with her hands over her heart. Handwritten Note. Box 2 Folder 83 French, English, 1885
Unidentified male handing a coin to another unidentified male. Box 2 Folder 84 Handwritten Note. Latin, English, 1877 Christmas
Priest kneeling and holding a cross. Blank. None, undated Box 2 Folder 85
Donna Gratia Hosokawa standing on a patio. Holy Year. English, Box 2 Folder 86 1950
Mother Mary Magdalen of the Sacred Heart (Bentivoglio) -- Box 2 Folder 87 Magdalen standing. Prayer. English, 1905 August 18
Pope with Jesus suspended behind the pope and holding a key. Box 2 Folder 88 Prayer, Explanation of infallibility and Handwritten Note. French, 1877 May 27
Dove suspended above statue of Joseph and Mary, the Sacred Box 2 Folder 89 Heart, a crucifix, and a monstrance. Contemplation -- of the Spirit of Piety. French, English, undated
Woman dying surrounded by witnesses. Souvenir -- Ordination. Box 2 Folder 90 English, 1877 Christmas
Woman lying in bed dying surrounded by witnesses. Blank. Box 2 Folder 91 German, undated
Cross surrounded by thorns and stars circled above it. Handwritten Box 2 Folder 92 Note. French, undated
Mary kneeling next to Saint Anne suspended in clouds above three Box 2 Folder 93 men carrying crosses. Prayer, Handwritten Note. French, undated
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