CHIBI COLLECTION: Karen Fontilla’s Devotion to Chibi Saints

Chibi saints, the childlike versions of beloved saints, have captured the hearts of many Catholic faithful, including collectors like Karen Fontillas, Patricia Patawaran, and Elizabeth Rasalan. These tiny resin figures, standing just over three inches tall, have become visual reminders of faith and devotion in a time when traditional practices are limited due to the pandemic.

Fontillas, who has over 100 chibi saints in her collection, sees them as a way to express her devotion and remember her family history. Patawaran, on the other hand, has 16 chibi versions of the Virgin Mary’s titles displayed on a heart-shaped shelf, while Rasalan finds joy and youthfulness in her growing collection of 37 chibi saints.

These chibi saints are not just cute collectibles but also serve as teaching tools and sources of inspiration for many. Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints as a way to remember one’s spiritual family. For businesses like Pious Creations, producing chibi saints has become a way to promote the Catholic faith and inspire others.

Despite their small size, chibi saints carry a powerful message of childlike humility, reminding believers of the words of Christ that “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” As the trend of chibi saints continues to grow, it seems that these tiny figures are here to stay, bringing joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the saints for collectors and faithful alike.