Ninian 			September 16
Bishop in Galloway, Missionary
The exact dates of Ninian’s life are not known for certain. Bede is our main source of information about him. According to Bede, Ninian was born in southern Scotland and received instruction in Christianity in Rome. He was ordained bishop probably in 394. The most significant influence on Ninian, however, was Martin of Tours, whose monastic life and evangelical zeal Ninian admired, and after whom he named the church he built at Whithorn, in Galloway, south-west Scotland. Ninian became the first of a succession of British missionaries, including Patrick, Columba, Aidan, Willibrord, and Boniface.
Ninian’s diocese covered a large area of southern Scotland. He also established a monastery at Whithorn, thus introducing monasticism to Scotland at an early date. The name “Whithorn” (white house - candida casa), stems from the fact that Ninian built in stone, which was unusual among the Britons. Other sources suggest that Martin sent masons from the continent to help Ninian build the church. Whithorn became a base for missionary journeys around southern Scotland, north of the Roman wall. Although much of Ninian’s work did not last, the monastery at Whithorn later became an important centre of learning for the church in Wales and Ireland. Ninian died about 432 and was buried at Whithorn.
For Liturgical Use
Ninian was the first British missionary to devote himself to work among the pagan Picts of southern Scotland. He established a monastic community at Whithorn, along the lines of the communities established by Martin of Tours, whom Ninian admired. He was bishop of southern Scotland, north of the Roman wall. Ninian died at Whithorn about 432.
Sentence
“See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the furthest parts of the earth,” says the Lord. 		Jeremiah 31:8
Collects
God of the farthest reaches of the earth,
where there is darkness you shed light,
where there is oppression, grace;
we praise you for your servant Ninian,
pioneer of the gospel 
among his own people in the British Isles;
kindle in us a gospel fire
to carry your light and grace
to every part of our land;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God of the great and marvellous idea,
may we, like Ninian, who went out to convert the Scots,
set ourselves goals which are a worthy offering to you.
Psalms	26	61
Readings
Jeremiah 33:10-16		The promise of God
1 Peter 5:6-11		Stand firm
Matthew 4:12-23		Jesus’ mission
Post Communion Sentence
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ..	Titus 2:11,13