Fonts, 1955, undated, bulk: 1926–1968
Scope and Contents
Wooden, ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal basins topped with figures of saints and crucifixes.
Dates
- Creation: 1955, undated
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1926–1968
Creator
- From the Collection: Leonard, William J. (1908-2000) (Compiler, Person)
Language of Materials
This collection is mostly in English, with some materials in French, German, Italian, Latin, Lithuanian, Polish, Slovenian, and Spanish.
Access Note
Collection is open for research.
Definition and use
Holy water fonts are basins blessed by Catholic priests for the purposes of containing holy water. Used by both clergy and laity, fonts are often found near the entrance to churches for parishioner use, or in private homes for personal access. Receptacle appearance varies, with the basin often attached to the figure of a saint or crucifix. Fonts can be either stationary or portable, wall-mounted or free-standing.
Source:
Leclercq, Henri. "Holy Water Fonts." In The Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company, 1910. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07433a.htm.
Full Extent
21 Items
Repository Details
Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861
burns@bc.libanswers.com