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Andrew was an apostle of Jesus, brother of Simon Peter. He was to become one of the first followers of Jesus, following St. John the Baptist's calling; in return, introducing his brother to Jesus (see John 1: 40-42).
He was martyred around 60 AD in Patras (Greece) on an X-shaped cross. Hence, St. Andrew's Cross - the Saltire - which is the national emblem of Scotland.
After Constantine removed St. Andrew's remains to Constantinople, a certain St. Regulus was said to have had a dream in which he was instructed to remove part of the remains to the 'end of the earth.' After sailing for a time, he eventually shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland and constructed a chapel there to house the relics. Replaced by St. Andrew's Cathedral in the 12th century, it became a popular medieval pilgrimage site. They have since been pillaged (during the Scottish Reformation), but there is a plaque commemorating their old resting place in the ruins of the cathedral.
An event which solidified St. Andrew's patronage to Scotland was due to his intercessory assistance during a heated battle with the English in 832 AD. In a desperate moment, the Scottish king prayed to St. Andrew for help. After seeing the cross in the clouds, the king vowed to make him patron of Scotland if they were victorious. The Scots won the battle.
St. Andrew is the patron of fisherman, singers, stiff necks, sore throats, gout, women wishing to become mothers, unmarried women, and, of course, Scotland.
The feast of St. Andrew marks the beginning of the Christmas season as it falls on or around the First Sunday of Advent (this year November 25th). The St. Andrew's Prayer is traditionally recited every day until Christmas, 15 times a day, to pray for certain graces and favors during the upcoming year.
Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment
at which the Son of God was born
at which the Son of God was born
of a most pure Virgin Mary
in a stable at midnight
in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe, o my God,
to hear my prayers and grant my desires,
Through the same Christ, our Lord.
A traditional Scottish meal is a great way to commemorate this feast. Following from a lineage of royal Scot blood (the Stewarts), it is an imperative for me on this day. Here are some ideas:
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And the moment you've all been waiting for....
The winner of the Godiva giveaway is lucky #2 - suburban prep! I will email you shortly for where to send your prize. Thank you to all those who participated and stay tuned for further giveaways....
1 comment:
Thank you so much for such a generous giveaway.
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