I know St. Bendicts very well and what you saw in the narthex was created 40 yrs ago to help finance the parish. There was no other available space on church grounds to pto open the gift shop.
If you are a non catholic, icons, medals and prayer items may seem odd to you but as a catholic we dont pray or worship these pictures. They are simply a reminder of that individuael and their walk with God.
St. Francis is a good example - many millions of times over you will see his image with animals and a Prayer for Peace.
It may all look very odd and appear to be crass commercialism but this gift shop jump started the parish back to good financial health 40 yrs ago.
Maybe they could sell their icons in their gymnasium!?
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5dJWaWjj3Dj2rSF89?g_st=i
Your explanation lacks credibility.
But I guess you already know that.