When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Prayer cards have been around since the 14th century. Once the printin g press came into common use, their popularity really took off. It was a way for the faithful to carry a small token with them. They featured, then as now, various Saints and particular holy days and events. Around 1850 crocheted and real lace edging was added, often by nuns in convents. Press and punch printing came along, and in the1800's into the twentieth century paper lace became the new art form for holy cards. The paper lace was so fine and so well done, that it looked like the finest real lace. By the late 1800's, when chromolithography came into use, the cards took an uptick again, as they were really beautiful little works of art in bright colors. The cards are just so beautiful, and collecting them has had a new resurgence, as the cards are special little works of arts, imbued with the prayers of faithful. Of course, being paper, many didn't survive. Many however did, and they are well worth preserving!
This card I think is Brussels? It features Saint Franziska (Saint Frances) of Rome (1384-1440). She dedicated herself to nursing, and was given the title of Patron Saint of ... Automobiles?. In 1425 she founded the Order of the Oblate Sisters of the Olivetan Monastery.
This card won't disappoint.
