by Liz Crumlish

 It is only in the last few years, since becoming part of the Scottish Episcopal Church that I have come to appreciate the rhythm of celebrating saints in daily life. The Scottish Episcopal Church calendar incorporates many universal saints like St Peter, St Francis, or St Mary Magdalene, along with some Celtic saints, like St Columba, St Mungo or St Brigid.

Recently, Jane Haining (the Church of Scotland missionary whose care for Jewish children led to her death in Auschwitz), and Eric Liddell (Olympian, Congregational minister and missionary to China) were added to the calendar and there is ongoing discussion about further diversifying the list to include more women and other more local exemplars of faith.

There is something refreshing about including such names in the calendar that further encourages contemplation of how the gifts and charisms of particular saints might influence contemporary life. Discovering their stories and how those might chime with ours today forges a connection that inspires and encourages us to continue to follow in the light of Christ.

Liz Crumlish is a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church, serving in Maybole in South Ayrshire. She is an Associate Tutor with the Scottish Episcopal Institute.

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Image: Icon of St Photini, ‘Christ and the Samaritan Woman’, 17th Century, Vatican Museum