{"product_id":"following-of-christ-signed-sister-ignatia-1948","title":"The Following of Christ — Inscribed and Signed by Sister Ignatia — 1948","description":"\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA meaningful association copy of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Following of Christ\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e by Thomas à Kempis, inscribed and signed by \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSister Mary Ignatia Gavin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e on October 31, 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSister 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHer inscription reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTo Mr. Harry Steiner\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOct. 31, 1948\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMay God bless you and yours always.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMay He keep you ever close to His Sacred Heart.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSister M. Ignatia\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlease say a little prayer for me.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSister Ignatia and Early Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSister Ignatia began working with Dr. Bob in 1939, helping admit alcoholics to St. Thomas Hospital in Akron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eShe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHer 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Following of Christ\u003c\/i\u003e, also known as \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Imitation of Christ\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eItem Details\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p5\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Following of Christ in Four Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Thomas à Kempis\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEditor:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Rev. J. M. Lelen, Ph.D.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Catholic Book Publishing Company\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCopyright:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 1941\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInscribed by:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Sister Mary Ignatia Gavin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecipient:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Harry Steiner\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e October 31, 1948\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Small devotional volume\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe book is in good condition, with significant exterior alterations from prior ownership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe interior shows age toning, scattered spotting, handling wear, and several later ownership inscriptions. Sister Ignatia’s inscription remains clear, complete, and fully legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSigned material from Sister Ignatia is highly desirable, especially when it dates from her active years of service alongside Dr. Bob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis example is especially meaningful because it contains a full handwritten blessing in a devotional work closely aligned with her faith and ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA personal and spiritually significant artifact from one of the central figures in early Alcoholics Anonymous history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sean McShane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49869900775666,"sku":null,"price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0328\/4625\/0120\/files\/23C7A52F-01B0-48FD-8BCA-1BDAACF33A84.jpg?v=1712005039","url":"https:\/\/recoverycollectibles.com\/products\/following-of-christ-signed-sister-ignatia-1948","provider":"Recovery Collectibles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}