St. Bernard: Patron of Skiers, Rock and Mountain Climbers, Hikers, Large Dogs; Handmade Medal/Pendant

St. Bernard of Menthon (ca. 1000-1081) spent much of his youth hiking and climbing in his native Alps. When he became a priest, he took as his mission to preach to people throughout the region. He climbed and hiked from village to village the next 42 years. As he did this, he met hundreds of people who’d lost loved ones or friends while crossing the mountains, and so Bernard opened a monastery and hospice at what is now known as St. Bernard Pass, 8100 feet above sea level. The work goes on: monks, with their large dogs assisting them, still greet and help thousands of hikers, climbers, and skiers each year. This medal was handmade at In the Co. Of Saints.

The medal is meant to be worn by someone who participates in winter and climbing sports: mountain and rock climbing, hikers, skiers, snow boarders, skaters. I design, carve, and cast the medals myself. The medals are made of lead-free pewter and have designs on both sides. The pendant comes with a jump ring (see photo 1), so it can easily be attached to any chain you have. This listing is for the pendant alone, but it does come with a split ring so it can also be used on a key chain (see photo of packaging). Each medal comes in a felt jewelry pouch with a history card that gives the text above.:

Dimensions: 1.25 (h) x 7/8 (w) inches