St. Luigi Scrosoppi: Patron of Soccer Players/Footballers; Handmade Statue

A handmade statue of St. Luigi Scrosoppi, the patron of soccer players/footballers. The front depicts action on the field while a guardian angel hovers above protecting and guiding the players. The back has an image of St. Luigi blessing the players. I design, carve, and cast the pieces myself: they’re wholly original and copyrighted. I cast them in modified gypsum with additives, including metal powders. After the pieces cure, we glaze and seal them. The pieces come boxed, and each statue comes with a history card stating:

"In 2001, the Vatican named St. Luigi Scrosoppi (1804-84) as the patron saint of all soccer players/footballers. Born in 1804 in northern Italy to a very poor family, Fr. Luigi devoted his life to working with poor young men and women, establishing many orphanages and schools that not only educated the young but also taught them other skills to use in their lives and work. In this vein, he encouraged young people to take part in sports, especially soccer, and is often depicted in art carrying a soccer ball. The connection of soccer and the church is alive today: Pope Francis, for instance, is an ardent fan. This statue was handmade at In the Co. of Saints in Covington, Louisiana. On the front of the piece, a guardian angel looks down, protecting two players, as one plays offense and the other defense. The back has an image of St. Luigi offering a blessing and protection to all soccer players and footballers."

Dimensions of piece: 4 inches high x 2.6 wide x 2 deep