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This icon was commissioned on the occasion of an Ordination, by a priest with a special devotion to both Saints Maximilian Kolbe and John Paul II. He received an original icon with gold foil details, along with a full complement of Holy Ordination cards featuring this art to commemorate the day of this great sacrament for him and his family.
These two men had many things in common: both saints were Polish priests, both experienced the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War Two, and both worked to resist the Nazi occupation and genocide.
In his initial request, Fr. Tony would write:
"Sts. Maximilian Kolbe and John Paul II are such powerful intercessors for me, and examples of how to live priesthood as an outpouring of love. It will be such a blessing to always have their image with me!
Two of my favorite Saints, especially in what I want to live out in my priesthood, are Maximilian Kolbe and John Paul II. I studied German in college, and did several projects on Kolbe. For me, he is an example of the radical love that is so needed in the world today, and the love that the priest is called to live out. John Paul II's Theology of the Body has been one my favorite things I have studied since entering the seminary, and helped me come to a deeper understanding of the beauty of celibacy. In addition to that, though, he was also so clearly a man that loved intensely. A particular story I learned about him I also connected with--that at one point, he struggled with discerning religious life, but decided to stay with his diocese, laying down what he may have wanted for what the Church where he was needed, which is something I have gone through, as well. Anyhow, I could go on and on about why these two men are so important in my deepening love of Christ. I recently went on pilgrimage to Poland with my best friend, who is also in the seminary and also has a deep devotion to these two Saints--we were able to pray together at Kolbe's cell in Auschwitz, and visit the shrine of John Paul II in Krakow. Words can't describe what a beautiful experience it was!
The image that keeps coming to me in prayer is one of Kolbe and John Paul side by side, holding in between them something---a banner, maybe? I don't really know how to describe it--with the text of John 15:13, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This verse has stuck with me because of how in different ways, both of these Saints laid down their lives, out of love, for the good of souls. The verse in particular was all over social media on Kolbe's recently-celebrated feast day, which seemed to be an affirmation that this is the right verse to me."
It has been a unique joy of mine to participate in writing unique icons to meet the inspirations of my commissioning customers. It is even more joyful, when I am able to provide an item to commemorate and spiritually support such a solemn and life-changing Sacrament as Priestly and Diaconate ordination.
So many Sacred Image Icons products are purposefully created for these celebrations of faith. As you, your family or colleagues prepare for a Sacrament, kindly consider my shop for gift ideas.
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