Sister Ignatia Recovery & Devotional Framed Collection

Featuring 5 Historically Significant Items from the Ministry of the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous”

This beautifully framed presentation brings together five authentic devotional and historical items connected with the life, work, and spiritual legacy of Sister Mary Ignatia Gavin, the legendary nun who partnered with Dr. Bob at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron and became known as the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

During the 1940s and 50s, Sister Ignatia offered compassionate care to alcoholics long before addiction treatment was widely understood. Upon discharge, she often gave patients a Sacred Heart badge and a small devotional booklet—tokens intended as both spiritual protection and a pledge of personal commitment. Many alcoholics credited these tokens as powerful reminders of their new beginning in sobriety.

This framed collection expands upon those historic tokens and adds three additional pieces, including a very rare Sister Ignatia memorial card and portrait, creating a singular tribute to her life and influence.

Included in This Framed Set (5 Items Total)

1. Memoriam Card for Sister M. Ignatia

A very rare original printed memorial card for Sister Mary Ignatia Gavin, detailing Her religious profession in 1916. Her death on April 1, 1966. A Scripture tribute from Proverbs 31. The opposite side of the card shows the same photograph of Sister Ignatia that is included in this frame.

This piece anchors the collection historically, connecting the devotional tokens to their source: the compassionate woman whose ministry shaped early AA recovery culture.

2. Sacred Heart Badge (Cloth Devotional)

A traditional two-sided cloth badge edged with a handmade red crocheted border.

Side 1: Sacred Heart of Jesus encircled with thorns, “Cease, the Heart of Jesus Is With Me.”

Side 2: Christ with radiant heart, “Apostleship of Prayer / League of the Sacred Heart.”

Condition: Light age wear; images bright and intact

Sister Ignatia entrusted these badges to departing patients, asking them to return the badge if they ever drank again. Few original examples survive today.

3. Confidence in God (Booklet)

Author: Rev. Daniel Considine, S.J. (compiled by Rev. F. C. Devas, S.J.)

Publisher: The Sign Magazine, Union City, NJ

Publication Date: c.1950s–60s

Format: Staple-bound, blue textured card covers with gilt title

Condition: Very Good — light external wear; clean interior

This scarce devotional was one of the pamphlets Sister Ignatia regularly handed to patients as they left St. Thomas Hospital. Its brief reflections and meditations were chosen to strengthen trust in God and provide spiritual stability in early recovery. Copies of this exact title are preserved in the archives at Dr. Bob’s Home.

4. Photograph of Sister Ignatia

A black-and-white portrait of Sister Ignatia in habit, capturing her gentle and steady presence.

This is the iconic likeness most associated with her service at St. Thomas Hospital.

5. “The Morning Offering” Devotional Card

A classic Sacred Heart prayer card featuring:

A color image of Christ

The traditional “Morning Offering” prayer used by many Catholics during the mid-20th century

This devotional complements the Sacred Heart badge and booklet, rounding out a representative grouping of items consistent with Sister Ignatia’s spirituality and pastoral practice.

Historical Significance

Together, these five items form a rare and meaningful collection directly connected to the spiritual foundation of early Alcoholics Anonymous. While the Sacred Heart badge and Confidence in God booklet were gifts Sister Ignatia herself gave to alcoholics on discharge, the memorial card and portrait serve as a tribute to her life’s work, and the Morning Offering card reflects the devotional environment in which she ministered.

Sister Ignatia’s conviction that alcoholism required both medical treatment and spiritual care transformed countless lives and shaped the culture of early AA. Collections like this—especially framed together as a single display—are seldom encountered and highly valued among collectors of AA history, Catholic devotional materials, and addiction-recovery ephemera.

Condition Notes

Booklet: Very Good with minimal wear; pages clean.

Sacred Heart Badge: Intact, with vintage handling wear.

Cards & Photograph: Light aging; overall clean and well-preserved.

Frame: Modern black frame with white matte; ready to display.

Please review all photos for the most accurate condition details.