Background material for a school assembly on Feast of

St Ninian16 September

Map of the Roman Empire in time of Diocletian who persecuted Christians. Many, like St Martin of

Tours, were from soldier families scattered over the Empire, including Brittania (Southern Britain)

In 313 Emperor Constantine allowed Christians to worship publicly

(bronze statue in York, England)

Ninian from Galloway had been made a bishop in Rome and was the first to build a stone church in what is now Scotland, perhaps as early as 400 AD

Location of Ninian’s church called Candida Casa (Latin) / Whit-herne (Old English). Possibly built before St Patrick went to Ireland or St Columba

came to Iona (Both places visible on map)

There is a new multi-media visitor centre in the town of Whithorn

Ruined priory and parish church, Whithorn

The Latin inscription which tells us about Ninian in Whithorn

Isle of Whithorn harbour(It is not an island!)

St Ninian’s Cave on the seashore. Mass is said there on a Sunday before St Ninian’s Feast

RESTORED PILGRIM WAY

From Glen Luce Abbey(near Stranraer)

to Whithorn

(about 20 miles)

Places, churches, schools etc called after St Ninian

St Ninian’s Isle Treasure, discovered in Shetland in 1958, is the most important find ever in Scotland of

ancient artefacts.

Pope Benedict will arrive in Scotland on the Feast of St Ninian (Sep 16). There will be a parade in

Princes St, Edinburgh by schools named St Ninian

PRAYER

O God, you brought the Britons and Picts to a knowledge of Christian Faith through the teaching of the Bishop Ninian. In your goodness listen to our prayers and grant that we who have received from him the light of truth may remain strong in faith and active in charity through Christ our Lord. Amen

GOSPEL READING FOR THE FEAST OF ST NINIAN

Luke 10. 1 – 9

The harvest is rich but the labourers are few

HYMN OF ST NINIANNinian of Galloway, homage we

fondly pay and tribute bring; Saint by our church proclaimed,

Scotland’s Apostle named, your praise we sing, your praise we sing.

Born of our Scottish race, God led you forth by grace to find in Rome,

that pearl so richly priced, that faultless Creed of Christ and bear it home, and bear it home

Softly the Christian morn dawned

o’er the lone Whithorn like kindly sun

Nobly your loyal band led by your sure command our kingdom won, our kingdom won.

Where once your footsteps trod, unquenched the fires of God await your hand

Renew your fervent care, tender to God our prayer to bless our land, to bless our land.

Copyright CCLI265136 & MRL9816