This icon of Servant of God King James VII was commissioned by Anthony Maclsaac in the hope that devotion to James might be rekindled and that his cause for Beatification might become better known.

James Stuart was born in 1633 and died in 1701. James was forced into exile but returned to Britain once the Monarchy was restored under his brother King Charles II. James succeeded his brother as King James VII & II, reigning from 1685. While he was deposed in 1688 during the “Glorious Revolution” he fought for his crown.

His supporters who became known as Jacobites continued to campaign for his son and grandson. The latter was known as Bonnie Prince Charlie who famously led the 1745 Jacobite rising. So James inspired loyalty among many Scottish Catholics and others beyond his death.

In his final exile in St. Germain-en-Laye, he gained a reputation for great piety and devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Eucharist was especially important to his prayer life. He wrote meditations with a Christian theme and an excerpt from these is used for the scroll in this icon.

It is also hoped that a rekindled devotion might signify an end to the historical bitterness that afflicted the British Isles during the wars of religion and that James may also inspire interest in ecumenical issues.