‘Embracing the cross’ with the comfort of a pillow

FENNIMORE — “To enrich the faith of the user.”

That’s part of the mission statement of the Embrace the Cross pillows.

Company owner Vince Lease said, “In times of rest, users feel the spiritual, emotional, and physical love for God by embracing the cross pillow.”

Getting the idea

Lease, a parishioner at Queen of All Saints Parish at St. Mary Church in Fennimore, got the idea to produce the pillows after hearing a homily by pastor Fr. Miguel Galvez.

Father Galvez stated one needs to “embrace the cross” to be closer to Jesus.

“This got me thinking that it would be really cool if we actually could do that,” said Lease. “As either a bed pillow or a decorative pillow, it is something we can all literally embrace.”

Pillows are available

Almost one year later, after securing a trademark, finding a manufacturer for the pillows, and establishing a limited liability company, the pillows are available.

The first one was sold in December to a parishioner in Fennimore.

The pillows range in size from “Toddler” (10 inches by 12 inches) to “X-Large” (44 inches by 58 inches).

They also come in five different colors: deep red, light blue, brown, gray, and tan.

The Embrace the Cross pillows are available at By the Cross, 4017 Lein Rd., Madison, or online at thecrosspillow.com