Terra Sancta Guild was the vision and dream of Isadore Serot born April 2, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Isadore, a man of Jewish faith partnered with Ade Bethune, a well-renowned Catholic liturgical artist, to start Terra Sancta Guild in the fall of 1965. Their vision together was to create and produce beautiful, timeless liturgical items designed for home, church and school. The two worked hand in hand growing Terra Sancta Guild for 35 years until Isadore’s death in July 2000 at age 73. Ade remained engaged with design for Terra Sancta until her death in May 2002.
During their 35 years of cooperation Isadore and Ade created some extraordinary works of art for our nation. These include producing the “Tree of Life” Processional Cross for Pope John II’s visit to Denver in 1993 to celebrate World Youth Day. The theme of the first North America Youth Day was “I came that they may have life, and have it in full” (John 10:10). Additional accomplishments included the design of the gold wreath at the base of the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington, VA and, the “Freedom of Religion” plaque presented to President Ford in 1976.
