Description
Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, Apostle of Northumbria
Aidan was an Irish monk of Iona whom King Oswald invited to Northumbria in 635. Consecrated bishop, he established a monastery and episcopal center on Lindisfarne, the Holy Island. From there Aidan and his companions traveled among local communities, preaching, teaching and founding churches. Their mission helped make Lindisfarne a formative center of Christianity in northern England. Aidan died in 651 and is remembered for joining missionary work with a simple monastic life.
The monk-bishop and the Gospel book
The image shows Aidan in a light monastic garment, holding a richly decorated book close to his body. The book signifies the Gospel, teaching and the missionary culture that grew around Lindisfarne; it is not a literal portrait of the later Lindisfarne Gospels. His unadorned clothing emphasizes his roots in the monastic community of Iona rather than later episcopal regalia. The halo, gold field and inscription identify the saint and his place.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.
For mission, teaching and the Christian heritage of Lindisfarne
This icon is suitable for a home prayer corner, church, school, retreat house or community connected with Northumbria, Iona or Holy Island. It can accompany prayer for bishops, missionaries, teachers and those who bring the Gospel across cultural boundaries. It is also a thoughtful Catholic gift for a person named Aidan, a pilgrim to Lindisfarne, a catechist or someone beginning a new work of evangelization.