In a shop window on Boston's Chauncy Street, a crown of thorns and nails lies beside a sign guaranteeing that "a small deposit will hold any item."

It's not Judgment Day or NEA installation art--it's Sheehan's, probably the only shop in Boston which advertises itself as "Your Bible Store!"

Sheehan's, officially Matthew F. Sheehan Co., has specialized in religious goods and liturgical paraphernalia most of the last century.

Founded in 1907 by Matthew F. Sheehan, an Irish Catholic immigrant, the store has remained in family hands in its original location ever since.

Sheehan's darkened plate-glass windows are unassuming, overshadowed by the ready-to-wear glamour of Filene's and Jordan Marsh. Unlike the well-heeled habitues of Downtown Crossing, the store's customers are a diverse assortment of Boston's most pious population.

The store's owners say that there's something here for everyone. Whether you need framed blessing for dentists, a Jesus key ring or a St. Peter night-light, Sheehan's will help you keep your faith with you at all times--literally.

Keeping the Faith...With Kitsch

The largest religious store on the East Coast, Sheehan's does a brisk trade in rosaries, chalices and candles. In fact, the store carries everything from 16th century biblical tracts to life size statues of the Virgin Mary.

"The medals are very popular," explains the red-haired cashier, who asked not to be identified. "People buy them and have them blessed by a priest. There's real special meaning to them. The most popular is the miraculous medal and St. Christopher (the patron saint of travelers)."

The store's inventory is thorough, to say the least.

"We have every saint that's made," the cashier says proudly. "We've got police officer's medals with St. Michael and medals for firemen with St. Florian. We've even got medals for the mentally ill, with St. Dymphna on them."

The upper store is filled with religious articles and knick-knacks, a jumble of the kitschy and the sacred.

Wrinkled women in kerchiefs and Reeboks sort through communion cards and candlesticks. Choir and clergy robes of every color, reminiscent of Harvard's multihued commencement gowns, sway as soft rock filters past the statues of the Madonna.

Hundreds of rosaries line the showcases--Austrian crystal with rhodium finish, cubic zirconia or sterling silver and semi-precious stones. Depending on the size of your wallet or the extent of your piety, you can choose a rosary for less than a dollar or more than $200.

The case in front of the cash register features delicately wrought cameos of the Crucifixion and rhinestone pins emblazoned "JESUS," which look like perfect accessories for an Elvis impersonator. Customers can even purchase an illuminated Infant of Prague for the lawn or family room.