The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Followers to go in footsteps of a saint
An ancient pilgrimage is to be revived to celebrate Scotland’s Saint Margaret.
Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh launched the new pilgrimage in honour of the country’s patroness.
It is the first time in more than four decades that such an event has been held in Dunfermline, the queen’s resting place.
The roots of the summer pilgrimage actually date back to June 1250 when the relics of Saint Margaret were moved to a new shrine in Dunfermline Abbey, following her canonisation that year.
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.
Now resurrected, In the Footsteps of St Margaret will take place in Dunfermline on Sunday June 28.
At Dunfermline Abbey. Archbishop Cushley said: “Today’s announcement of a new summer pilgrimage is very exciting.
“This will be a real family event to which everybody in Scotland is invited, given that St Margaret is an inspirational figure for all Scots, as well as a heavenly protectress of the people of our land.”
It is hoped that modern-day pilgrims to Dunfermline will spend the day exploring the many historic places associated with St Margaret before gathering in the afternoon for a procession of her relics through the town’s streets led by St Columba’s High School pipe band.
Father Chris Heenan of St Margaret’s Memorial Church said: “The day will then end with holy mass offered by Archbishop Cushley at our church in the heart of Dunfermline.
“There’s already quite a buzz about the revival of the pilgrimage, which hasn’t taken place in the town for 41 years.
“It will be a great day for all the folk of Dunfermline and everybody is very much invited to join in the occasion, not just Catholics.”
Local tour guide Jack Pryde said: “She is probably the most significant female figure in the history of Scotland and achieved a great amount of good.
“I have longed for the summer pilgrimage in her honour to be revived and am really delighted that it is finally happening.”
She is probably the most significant female figure in the history of Scotland and achieved a great amount of good.
JACK PRYDE