We invite you to consult this FAQ before sending us your question: you will certainly find a more immediate answer to most of the questions asked.
What is the link between this website and the Congregation of the Sisters of Bethlehem?
You are here on the official website that has been set up by the entire Congregation of the Assumption of the Virgin and Saint Bruno. It is therefore this site that serves as the official catalogue of sorts, since it is directly linked to the Bethlehem monasteries' crafts presented.
Can I have my items purchased online blessed before I receive them?
Insofar as, in accordance with deontology, items cannot be blessed before sale, and in the interests of speeding up the processing of your order, it is unfortunately impossible for us to arrange for your purchases to pass through the hands of a priest.
Are the medals water-resistant?
Although the material used is of good quality (whether gilded brass, old silver, silver or gold-plated), we advise against exposing the medals to water. This simple fact will also protect its enamel!
I've spotted an item, a statue or something else, but the size or polychrome doesn't suit me: can I get a different one from the dimensions or colour I'm sending you?
The statues' expressions have been translated according to a specific size. Changing a size would therefore imply a different expression, a different rendering. It is therefore not possible to make a made-to-measure design. Please note that this also applies to all items. Polychrome renderings are always subjective, so the colours offered are fixed and cannot be changed. In the same way, a statue not proposed in natural wood cannot be obtained in natural wood (for reasons of final appearance linked to the wood used).
I'm looking for a statue to be placed outside: what do you recommend?
Forget wood from the outset and opt for a dolomite statue instead. Let us know when you order and we'll apply an anti-UV waterproofing product beforehand, but you'll need to reapply it regularly (perhaps once or twice a year, depending on exposure). In all cases, avoid exposure to sea spray, and make sure that the statue is placed out of reach of any subsequent handling (such as laying your hands on it) so as not to erase the product.
How can I find out the shipping costs for the items I'm thinking of buying?
It's very simple and there's no obligation: just add the items to your online shopping basket and change the quantities if you wish: the shipping costs will be adjusted automatically in the shopping basket. Then you're free to finalise your purchase or empty your basket.
Can I order by giving you my bank details over the phone?
We do not accept bank details (such as credit card details) over the phone. However, you can pay for your order via our website using one of 3 methods of payment: credit card, bank transfer or cheque (the latter is reserved for residents of France).
I would like to place an order but instead of the blue "add to order" button a green "contact us" button appears: why and what should I do?
We are gradually putting the various crafts from our monasteries online. As these are works of art, some pieces are even more unique and require a certain amount of time to produce. In this case, they will appear in the same way as in a simple online catalogue, so that you don't have to place an order that we can't fulfil within a reasonable time. It is of course possible to obtain them, and the best way is to contact us.
When I create an order basket, instead of the choice of carrier the message "No carrier is available for this selection" appears: why?
Because the weight limit authorised for shipping by conventional carriers has been exceeded. In this case, please send us your request by simple e-mail with the references of the items you require and the delivery address: we will get back to you with a suitable transport quote.
I'm interested in reselling your items in my sales area: do you apply special pricing conditions for resellers?
First of all, thank you very much for your interest in our crafts. We do not, however, offer any "reseller rates" or discounts, but there's nothing to stop you ordering from this site (depending on the quantities and terms available) and then reselling at your own price. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee the availability of items in the event of a last-minute stock shortage (which we consider to be a case of force majeure). Furthermore, it is your responsibility to check the contents of parcels on receipt and, if necessary, to notify the deliveryman of any breakages or shortages, failing which we will not be able to replace damaged items. In general, we invite you to consult our general terms and conditions of sale available on this site.
I would like to buy several items: can I benefit from a discount?
As we are dealing with arts and crafts, we do not apply sliding scale prices. In addition, the proceeds from sales go directly to the Congregation. In this way you are helping the monks and nuns to continue and develop their activities.