Exclusive Bourbon Bottles with Pope Francis’ Signature to be Auctioned for Charity
In a fusion of spiritual significance and distillery craftsmanship, Willett Distillery’s rare bourbon bottles, signed by Pope Francis himself, will headline Sotheby’s prestigious Whisky & Whiskey auction on December 7, 2024. These extraordinary items of both religious and collectible value are expected to fetch between $1,000 to $10,000, with proceeds benefiting charities in Kentucky and Texas.
The Spiritual Significance of Willett’s Rare Bottles
The auction will feature two distinct 10-year-old bourbon bottles. The first bottle celebrates the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, proudly displaying the papal coat of arms and distilled using Willett’s original recipe, bottled at a robust 132.6 proof. The second, a higher rarity, marks the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” and is bottled at 144.2 proof. Both bottles are uniquely signed by the pontiff, adding a sacred touch to America’s native whiskey.
Fr. Jim Sichko: The Man Behind the Mission
Father Jim Sichko, a well-known Papal Missionary of Mercy based in Lexington, Kentucky, orchestrated this charitable endeavor. Known for his acts of kindness, from distributing essential supplies during the pandemic to surprising grocery shoppers with financial gifts, Fr. Sichko is using this rare auction to extend his charitable efforts further. Reflecting on his initiative, Sichko said, “Each bottle marks an important moment in the church’s history, and we hope collectors will appreciate them as symbols of tradition and generosity.”
Impactful Charitable Outreach
The auction’s proceeds will enhance the missions of four nonprofits: the Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, Texas; the Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic; the Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko; and PAWs 4 the Cause, all based in Lexington. This initiative embodies Pope Francis’ teachings of compassion and generosity.
Join the Auction
- Where: Sotheby’s New York Whisky & Whiskey Auction
- When: December 7, 2024, with online bidding already open
- Expected Price Range: $1,000 to $10,000 per bottle
By participating in this auction, collectors have the chance to acquire not just a part of bourbon history, but a piece of spiritual history as well, knowing their bids support worthy causes that mirror Pope Francis’ humanitarian values.
The Legacy of Willett Distillery
Founded in 1936 in Bardstown, Kentucky, Willett Distillery stands as a beacon of tradition in the bourbon industry. The distillery gained significant attention for returning to its distilling roots and releasing unique, limited batches, which have now become collectibles in their own right.
A Tradition of Giving
Fr. Sichko’s long-standing tradition of gifting Pope Francis bottles of exceptional Kentucky bourbon underscores a unique relationship blending faith with the state’s bourbon heritage. This auction represents not just a collector’s dream, but a step towards meaningful charity.
Join Sotheby’s auction to own a piece of history that goes beyond bourbon, embodying a spirit of giving and global goodwill.
