The Following of Christ — Inscribed and Signed by Sister Ignatia — 1948
A meaningful association copy of The Following of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, inscribed and signed by Sister Mary Ignatia Gavin on October 31, 1948.
Sister Ignatia was one of the most important nonalcoholic figures in early Alcoholics Anonymous history. Working closely with Dr. Bob Smith at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, she helped establish a compassionate approach to the care of alcoholics at a time when many hospitals refused to admit them.
Her inscription reads:
To Mr. Harry Steiner
Oct. 31, 1948
May God bless you and yours always.
May He keep you ever close to His Sacred Heart.
Sister M. Ignatia
Please say a little prayer for me.
This is far more than a simple signature. It is a full personal blessing written during the years when Sister Ignatia and Dr. Bob were actively caring for alcoholics at St. Thomas Hospital.
Sister Ignatia and Early Alcoholics Anonymous
Sister Ignatia began working with Dr. Bob in 1939, helping admit alcoholics to St. Thomas Hospital in Akron.
At the time, alcoholism was widely viewed as a moral failing, and many hospitals would not accept alcoholic patients. Sister Ignatia helped create a more compassionate approach built around medical care, spiritual support, personal dignity, and contact with recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous.
She became known for her direct but loving manner and for the small Sacred Heart medallions she gave to many patients as a reminder of their commitment to sobriety.
Her work with Dr. Bob placed her at the center of one of the most important developments in early A.A. history: the acceptance of alcoholism as a condition requiring care rather than condemnation.
By 1948, when this book was inscribed, Sister Ignatia had already spent years working closely with alcoholics and their families. The date places the inscription squarely within the formative period of her ministry at St. Thomas Hospital.
About the Book
The Following of Christ, also known as The Imitation of Christ, is one of the most influential Christian devotional works ever published. Its themes of humility, surrender, prayer, and spiritual discipline closely reflect the values Sister Ignatia brought to her work with suffering alcoholics.
This 1941 edition was published by the Catholic Book Publishing Company and edited by Rev. J. M. Lelen, Ph.D. It includes practical reflections and a prayer at the end of each chapter.
Item Details
Title: The Following of Christ in Four Books
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Editor: Rev. J. M. Lelen, Ph.D.
Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing Company
Copyright: 1941
Inscribed by: Sister Mary Ignatia Gavin
Recipient: Harry Steiner
Date: October 31, 1948
Format: Small devotional volume
Condition
The book is in good condition, with significant exterior alterations from prior ownership.
The original black softcover binding has been covered with layers of paper, tape, and clear adhesive material. The added covering is heavily worn and lifting in places. Because much of the original binding remains concealed, its full condition cannot be determined without professional examination.
The interior shows age toning, scattered spotting, handling wear, and several later ownership inscriptions. Sister Ignatia’s inscription remains clear, complete, and fully legible.
Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition.
Historical Significance
Signed material from Sister Ignatia is highly desirable, especially when it dates from her active years of service alongside Dr. Bob.
This example is especially meaningful because it contains a full handwritten blessing in a devotional work closely aligned with her faith and ministry.
A personal and spiritually significant artifact from one of the central figures in early Alcoholics Anonymous history.
