Saint Mungo

Saint Mungo, also known by his baptismal name Kentigern, was born at Culross in Fife, Scotland, in the late sixth century. His mother, the princess Teneu, had been cast out by her family and set adrift across the Firth of Forth; by God’s providence she reached Culross, where her child was safely born. Mungo was raised in holiness under Saint Serf, who gave him the affectionate name “Mungo,” meaning “my dear one.” At about twenty-five he began preaching along the River Clyde and founded a church beside the Molendinar Burn, on the site where Glasgow Cathedral now stands. His austere life and gentle zeal drew many to Christ, though opposition later drove him into exile for a time. After years of missionary work in Wales and the north, he was invited back by King Riderch Hael and resumed his pastoral care, also evangelizing from Hoddom in Galloway. Tradition remembers him for miracles that became signs of God’s mercy and truth, and he is venerated as the founder and patron of Glasgow. His feast day is January 13.