In Honor of
Katherine Von Bora

The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau is  honored to sponsor this medallion commemorating the 500th anniversary of the birth of Katherine von Bora.  We are grateful to the Concordia Historical Institute for its support in co-sponsoring this project.

This medallion now becomes a part of the rich tradition of more than two thousand coins and medallions issued since 1521 commemorating Martin Luther, his life and teachings, along with his associates and events related to the Reformation.  Among his associates, Katharina von Bora stands out as his "rib" as he often referred to her.  She, herself, has been honored on no less than sixteen medallions since the 16th century.  The ALPB is pleased to add to this rich heritage of the Reformation commemorated through numismatic art. (The Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Schumacher Executive Director, ALPB)

Silver Medal (SOLD OUT!)

The Rev. Scott Blazek has designed CHI's medallions for the 450th 1996 Year of Luther, the 500th 1997 Philipp Melanchthon birth anniversary.

From the Designer/Sculptor
Rev. Scott Blazek

The Reformation sought to bring the Church back to the Bible in doctrine and in practice.  After over 400 years of imposed celibacy upon the clergy in the West, the Reformation also embraced the spirit of the Word on the subject of the clergy's right to marry. (Note: 1Cor. 9:5, Titus 1:6, 1Tim.3:2, 4:3.)

Though Martin Luther was not the first Protestant clergyman to marry, it was his insight into Holy Scripture redefined the principles for the clergy's right to marry.   Luther resisted the idea of marriage for himself because of his precarious position of being under both papal and imperial bans.  Well into the Reformation by more than seven years, he finally relented to marry, as much as to practice what he had preached.   Little did Luther realize how much of a blessing his Katie would be in his life as his words about her are always filled with affection and appreciation.  The spirit of the Luther parsonage, Luther's wife and family has inspired many to this day.

May this medallion not only commemorate Katherine von Bora Luther and her Christ-centered faithfulness but also reflect heart-felt appreciation for the loving support of clergy wives everywhere.

After executing the clay models, I cast the plasters for the medallion in the very month of Katherine von Bora's 500th birth anniversary, completing the work on exactly her birth date, Jan. 29, 1999. Soli Deo Gloria!

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