The icon was commissioned in 2024 by Father James Travers, parish priest of Saint Mary’s, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of Saint Mary’s Mission at Whifflet , Coatbridge, in 1874. The present day church was opened in 1893 and is the oldest Catholic church in Coatbridge. The icon also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Saint Bernard ‘s church in Shawhead in 1974.

Saint Bernard ‘s Parish was named after Saint Bernard because of the local connection to the Cistercian order. The monks were given lands at Drumpeleder ( Drumpellier today) by Malcolm IV, King of Scots in 1162. They worked hard to improve the land and provide work and food for local people.
The icon has three Latin words at the bottom right “Ora et Labora” , a Cistercian motto “Pray and Work”.

Saint Bernard and the monks are seen on the left wearing the cowl which they wore in church ,covering their working habits which are seen on the right as they work in the fields of wheat. A ploughed field is seen in the distance to portray their involvement in agriculture.

Saint Mary’s church is seen at the end of the field of wheat referring to the “Wheat Flats” of the district from where the name Whifflet originated. The monks are working in the field.

On the left, the monks, led by Saint Bernard, are processing towards Our Lady while Saint Bernard’s church is seen in the background. Saint Bernard is noted for his immense love and devotion to Our Lady, and is holding a scroll with the opening line of the “Memorare”, the prayer which is attributed to him. Beneath Our Lady are the final words of the “Hail Holy Queen” prayer in Latin.