Photo credit: www.smithsonianmag.com

Bourbon Signed by Pope Francis Set for Charity Auction

When Jim Sichko, a Catholic priest from Lexington, Kentucky, makes his way to the Vatican, he arrives with a thoughtful gift for Pope Francis, often presenting him with bourbon—a nod to his Kentucky roots. In a previous visit, Sichko garnered attention for gifting the pope a highly sought-after 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.

During his most recent trip in May, Sichko brought two bottles of bourbon but had a unique twist in mind; he requested Pope Francis to sign the bottles before returning them to him. The intention was to auction them off for a charitable cause, as reported by the Catholic News Agency. The pope was happy to accommodate the request, playfully quipping, “Which one is mine?”

These autographed bottles will be available for bidding at a Sotheby’s auction scheduled for December 7 in New York City. Initial estimates suggest they could sell for anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000, though the actual sale price remains unpredictable, given the significance of Pope Francis’ name in this context. Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s assistant vice president and whiskey specialist, noted, “These estimates have a wide range, as we expect that Pope Francis’ name and signature holds incredible value around the world.”

The proceeds from the auction will support various nonprofit organizations, including an animal shelter and the Maxwell Street Legal Clinic, which offers legal assistance to immigrants in Kentucky. These choices align closely with the values advocated by Pope Francis, who has voiced strong support for both animal welfare and the humane treatment of migrants.

Both bottles originate from Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, and are considered “barrel picks.” Sichko visited the distillery to personally select the specific barrels for bottling. While he contributed a large portion of the bourbon for charity, he preserved one bottle from each barrel to be signed by the pope for the auction. One bottle celebrates Pope Francis’ tenth anniversary as pope, showcasing the papal Coat of Arms, while the other recognizes the upcoming 2025 Jubilee, signifying a time when Catholics can seek forgiveness for sins.

Sichko’s commitment to charitable endeavors stems from a designation he received from Pope Francis in 2016 as a papal missionary of mercy. This role conveys not only the power to grant certain pardons but emphasizes the mission of sharing hope and compassion through service. Sichko has embodied this mission through various acts of kindness, which include donating protective equipment during the pandemic, assisting in recovery efforts for a grocery store affected by flooding, covering funeral expenses, and supporting food pantries.

The upcoming auction of the bourbon is reflective of Sichko’s ongoing efforts to give back, even as he admits to not consuming much alcohol himself. “Kindness costs nothing,” he stated, encapsulating the spirit of his work and the core message he imparts.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com