Who was St Ninian?

Did you know that the 16th of September is St Ninian's Day? Eh, perhaps not. In fact you're probably asking - who is St Ninian anyway? Well, put simply, Ninian is the man who first brought the Christian faith to Scotland. If you like, he is to the Scots what Saint Patrick is to the Irish or Saint Augustine of Canterbury to the English. And that's why the date of Benedict XVI's visit to our country is of such historic importance.

Historians argue, as historians do, over the exact life and times of Saint Ninian. Traditionally, though, it's held that Ninian came from the South West of Scotland and studied in Rome before being ordained a bishop and returning home to found his religious community at Whithorn in Galloway. The traditional date given for this event is 397AD. His monastery was known as Candida Casa coming from the Latin meaning "White House". This name possibly refers to the stone used to construct it or the whitewash used to paint it. And it was from his Candida Casa that Ninian set forth to tell his fellow countrymen all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Over the centuries the tomb of St Ninian at Whithorn became one of the great European centres of Christian pilgrimage. It was also a treasured place of worship for the Scots royal family. In the 14th century a dying King Robert the Bruce went there to pray for a cure from leprosy. Two centuries later, King James IV spent eight days walking on foot to the shrine of St Ninian distributing money to the poor as he travelled. King James's devotion to Ninian enhanced his reputation with his fellow Scots and within the wider Church. In fact, Pope Julius II gifted him the Sword of State, now displayed among the Honours of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle. Echoing those royal progresses of the past, the present Queen also visited Whithorn in 1955. Interestingly, the popularity of the Whithorn pilgrimage among ordinary people was such that it continued long after the
Reformation.

To this day Ninian is a saint held in common by all Scottish Christians and, indeed, by all Scots. That's why the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien, asked the question earlier this year - "Why don't we resurrect the great festivities that used to surround St Ninian's Day in this country? A grand Scottish spectacle to welcome Benedict XVI." He wanted an event that is:

• Joyous - creating a truly memorable day for all who attend.
• Charitable - raising money for good causes, both at home and abroad.
• Inclusive - welcoming to everybody regardless of religion.

The result is the St Ninian's Day Parade! Up to a billion people around the world will be watching. Be part of it! You're very welcome. See you in Edinburgh on the 16th of September!

Celebrate St Ninian's Day - 16th September

Join the celebration