NEWS FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ST ANDREWS & EDINBURGH
For Immediate Release/Attn. News Desks and Picture Desks
Archbishop Cushley issues video invitation to St Margaret’s Pilgrimage 2018
Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh is inviting people from across Scotland – and beyond – to join him on Sunday 3 June for the annual St Margaret’s Summer Pilgrimage in Dunfermline.
“St Margaret is the Pearl of Scotland and a remarkable example of everyday holiness. Her daily pursuit of virtue transformed not only the life of her family but the life of this nation for the next thousand years,” said the Archbishop in a promotional video issued 14 May.
“She is a great reminder that it is saints and saintliness that change the world for the better. Her example and intercession can now help us to do likewise.”
Sunday 3 June will see pilgrims gather in the Fife town of Dunfermline – Margaret’s home in life and resting place in death – in order to explore the historic sites associated with her life from 11am onwards, process through the streets with her relic at 2pm and, finally, to gather for Holy Mass within the parish church dedicated to her memory at 3pm.
The roots of the summer pilgrimage date back to June 1250 when the relics of Saint Margaret (1045-93) were translated to a new shrine in Dunfermline Abbey following her canonisation that year by Pope Innocent IV. An annual summer pilgrimage to Dunfermline soon emerged and continued until the late 16th century. It was then revived in 1899 and continued again until 1974. It was then revived in 2015 by Archbishop Cushley.
“It is should be a great family day out, full of faith and full of fun too. Do come along,” concluded the Archbishop in his video message.
Saint Margaret became Queen of Scots in 1070. She was renowned for her good influence on her husband, King Malcolm III but also for her devout Christian piety, her charitable works towards the sick and poor while raising eight children of her own. Saint Margaret was declared Patroness of Scotland in 1673. She is also the Patron Saint of Mothers.