Scottish Catholic Observer

The faithful travelled from all corners of Scotland and beyond to celebrate the monumental occasion, which saw three archbishops and nine bishops congregate on the northern Scottish island to take part in the two pilgrimages to churches in Egilsay and Birsay, as well as at a number of half-hour talks about St Magnus and his legacy.

The prominent clergymen were from all of Scotland’s Catholic dioceses, as well as from Westminster, Oslo and Copenhagen.

“The whole pilgrimage has been blessed,” said Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, under whose diocese Orkney falls. “The weather has harmonised with it, and the hearts of all the participants have been uplifted.

“After Friday’s talks and Saturday’s pilgrimages to Egilsay and Birsay, the highlight was Sunday’s Mass in Kirkwall Cathedral, by kind permission of Orkney Islands Council and the Minister, Kirk Session and Congregation of St Magnus’s Cathedral.

“The occasion was historic, with bishops from Scotland, Denmark, Norway and England – the first time there had been such a gathering of bishops in Orkney.

“The Cathedral was full, with the Lord Lieutenant, representatives of the Council and of several Christian denominations as well as pilgrims and visitors in attendance.

“The music, words and movement of the liturgy conspired with the Norman setting of Kirkwall’s Cathedral to lift spirits, recall St Magnus’ noble offering of his life for peace, and the life-giving fruits of peace, healing and creativity that have flowed from it.

“It was good to be reminded of the Christian inspiration of our culture.”

The pilgrimage was part of the Magnus900 celebrations taking place this year in the Diocese of Aberdeen, set up to commemorate St Magnus’, the patron saint of Orkney, life and work.

He was murdered by his cousin, Haakon, in Egilsay, in around the year 1117 and declared a saint two decades later, with several miracles attributed to his intercession

.St Rognvald his nephew began building St Magnus Cathedral in honour of his late uncle some 20 years after his death, with the saint’s relics placed there.

A box was found in the column within a hidden cavity in the cathedral in 1919, which contained a skull and bones, which many believe belong to the 12th century saint.