Sacred Art Marketplace - Catholic Art Directory
According to the canon law of the Catholic Church, blessed objects (sacramentals) are set apart for sacred use and cannot be bought or sold for profit. This is not a restriction on the value of the art - it is a recognition that once an object has been blessed, it participates in a sacred purpose that transcends commerce.
However, blessed items can be transferred to another worthy home, and the legitimate costs of facilitating that transfer can be covered. This is where facilitation costs come in.
Facilitation costs are itemized fees that cover the expenses of transferring a blessed item to a new institution or individual. The item itself is not priced - only the services required to facilitate the transfer are charged.
Common facilitation cost line items include:
| Cost Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Shipping, Handling & Packaging | Costs to safely pack, insure, and ship the item to its new location. |
| Appraisal & Certification | Professional valuation and authentication of the item, if required. |
| Restoration Fee | Conservation or restoration work needed before transfer. An artist from the platform may be attached to perform this work. |
| Artist Service Fee | Payment for artistic work performed on the item (not for the item itself). |
| Installation Fee | Costs to install the item at its new location (e.g., stained glass windows, altarpieces). May be covered by the receiving parish, volunteers, or a platform artist. |
When you express interest in a blessed item, the seller will provide a detailed breakdown of all facilitation costs. You will know exactly what each fee covers before agreeing to the transfer. The blessed item itself has no price - you are only covering the costs of making the transfer possible.
This process ensures that sacred objects continue to serve their purpose in new locations while respecting the Church's teaching on the non-commercial nature of blessed items.