Saint Amandus Bishop of Maastricht

Catholic icon of Saint Amandus Bishop of Maastricht on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon. 

St. Amandus was a bishop of Tongeren-Maastricht and one of the great Christian missionaries of Flanders. Amand was born in Lower Poitou. He was of noble birth but at the age of twenty, he became a monk on the Ile d'Yeu, against the wishes of his family. His father threatened to disinherit him if he did not return home. From there Amandus went to Bourges and became a pupil of bishop Austregisilus. There he lived in solitude in a cell for fifteen years, living on no more than bread and water. Amandus was made a missionary bishop in France in 628, without a fixed diocese. At the request of Clotaire II, he evangelized the pagan inhabitants of Ghent, later extending his field of operations to all of Flanders. Initially, he had little success, suffering persecution and undergoing great hardships. However, after allegedly performing a miracle (bringing back to life a hanged criminal) the attitude of the people changed and he made many converts. He founded a monastery at Elnon where he served as abbot for four years. Amandus was made a bishop in 628. In 633, Amandus founded two monasteries in Ghent; one at Blandinberg, and the other named for St. Bavo, who gave his estate for its foundation. From 647 till 650, Amand briefly served as Bishop of Maastricht. St. Amandus died in Elnone Abbey at the age of 90. He is the patron saint of brewers, innkeepers, bartenders, vine growers, vintners and merchants and his feast day is on February 6.