Saint Kentigern
First bishop of Glasgow, known as Mungo, in the late sixth century
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Bishop
- Life
- d. 614
- Era
- 7th century
- Feast
- 13 January
- Countries
- United Kingdom
Life story
Kentigern was probably the first evangelist of Strathclyde, working under King Rhydderch Hael, and likely the first bishop of Glasgow. The Annales Cambriae record his death under 612 (some scholars correct this to 614), while the Catholic Encyclopedia gives 603.
Much of what is told of him is not history. His birth at Culross and upbringing by Saint Serf are traditional. The four Glasgow miracles (the robin, the fire, the bell and the fish with the ring) come from the Life, not from independent records. The pilgrimage to Rome and the link with St Asaph are doubtful, and his death in a bath may be a garbled account of a collapse during a baptism.
The main Life was written around 1185 by Jocelin of Furness, who said he reworked an older Glasgow legend and a document in Old Irish; he may have added material to promote the Glasgow bishopric. His shrine in Glasgow Cathedral was a major pilgrimage site until the Scottish Reformation. His feast is 13 January; his emblems are a robin, a bell and a fish with a ring.
Works and witness
- Probably the first evangelist of Strathclyde under King Rhydderch Hael
- Likely the first bishop of Glasgow
- Buried on the site of Glasgow Cathedral, where his shrine stood
- Main Life written by Jocelin of Furness around 1185
Patron of
City of Glasgow
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia, "St. Kentigern" (newadvent.org/cathen/08620a.htm)
- Jocelin of Furness, Vita Sancti Kentigerni (c. 1185)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.