St Ninian St. Ninian’s father was a powerful man in Scotland and as a boy, Ninian wanted for nothing. When he was young, he was known by others for his goodness and his love of Christ. He wanted to teach the Good News of Christ to those around him. To learn more about his faith, he travelled to Rome and returned to Scotland as a Bishop and a teacher.

St Ninian St. Ninian lived his life simply. He was a quiet man, who was polite and hard-working. He ate simple food, fasting often. He was a serious young man, spending much of his time learning and praying.

St. Ninian To learn more of his faith, St. Ninian travelled to Rome. The Holy Father was impressed by him and made him a Bishop He returned to Scotland to begin his mission

St. Ninian When travelling back from Rome, Ninian arrived on the coast of Scotland at Whithorn. He left his ship and climbed up to a cave where he knelt and gave thanks for his safe arrival. When he prayed, he asked God to help him in his mission to preach the faith to the Scots.

St. Ninian In thanks to God, St. Ninian set about building the first stone built church at Whithorn on his arrival. It was known as the Candida Casa (the White House). People still go on Pilgrimage to Whithorn today.

St. Ninian St.Ninian began to teach and share Christ’s message to the Picts in Scotland in 397 AD.

St. Ninian Bishop Ninian was known for his miracles. St. Ninian cured a blind man of his blindness and helped a brother priest live out his vocation working in the local community.

St. Ninian When St. Ninian died he was buried at Whithorn in the church that he built. Today his memory lives on in the schools and churches where he is patron.

St Ninian Hymn (use the accompanying music file which must be downloaded from the SCES website)

May we follow your example as our patron and our guide. May we walk along the paths that we should go. May we strive for peace and justice in the ways we live our lives. May we trust our God as in His love we grow.

As a Bishop, Priest and Teacher you arrived on Whithorn’s shores. Your mission – spread the message of God’s love. And the people they did listen to the words you had to say, Their lives enriched with blessings from above.

May we teach by our example, may we show to those we meet, That we carry in our hearts a burning flame, That we value those around us, be they strong or be they weak For we all share the great St. Ninian name.

With thanks to Rosemary McMillan Head Teacher of St David’s PS, Edinburgh, who wrote this hymn.

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