SAINTS DAYS FOR 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
1116 they
were to have
come together
for
reconciliation,
but Magnus
was betrayed
and captured
by his cousin,
who had him
executed.
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