Robert Fleetwood I would like to thank everyone for the cards and messages of sympathy following Robert ' s death . They , and your prayers , have been a great source of comfort . I would also like to thank all involved in the arrangements for Robert ' s funeral . First of all , Canon Scott Robertson for conducting the service , then Anne Cowan for playing the organ in the church and at the crematorium . Dorothy Nicholson kindly installed daffodils in the porch despite it being Lent and , finally , my thanks go to Bob Gallacher for acting as crucifer in his usual dignified manner .
Paula
SOME SAINTS DAYS IN APRIL
1 April . St Gilbert of Caithness ( died 1245 )
Also known as Gilbert of Moravia ( from Moray ), Son of William , Lord of Duffus & Strabrok the family owned immense estates there and were Earls of Sutherland . The diocese of Caithness was one of 13 medieval Scottish bishoprics . The earlier Bishops resided at Halkirk with a castle at Scrabster . Gilbert was made bishop by King Alexander I after his predecessor Adam was murdered and moved the seat to Dornoch . Gilbert built the cathedral there and was buried there , but died at Scrabster . His brother Richard , killed in battle by Vikings , was also buried there . Gilbert was known to be a fine preacher , established several hospices for the poor and did much to civilize the diocese in turbulent times .
He became the patron saint of the cathedral and the diocese . His relics were venerated until the Reformation , with oaths sworn by them until 1575 . Folklore about him was collected in the 19 th century , including a legend of him killing a dragon . He is the last Scottish saint in the Calendar of Saints .
16 April St Magnus of Caithness and Orkney ( died Easter 1116 or 17 )
The Earl of Orkney was a Norse Jarl subject to the King of Norway . In 1096 the Earldom was divided between 2 brothers , Paul and Erland . Magnus was Erland ’ s oldest son . In 1098 the King sent both Earls into exile and replaced them with his son Sigurd . Young Magnus was taken on a raid to Anglesey , but escaped and hid until the King died in 1102 and Sigurd became King . Magnus and his cousin Haakon became Earls . They ruled peacefully until 1114 but fell out . At Easter 1016 they were to have come together for reconciliation , but Magnus was betrayed and captured by his cousin , who had him executed . He was denied a Christian burial , but miracles of healing soon started at the burial site . Bishop William supported the cult for political
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