The Diocese of Northampton is honoured to host the Holy Relics of three beloved Scottish saints — St Andrew, St Columba, and St Margaret of Scotland — who arrived on Monday 14th July for a special two-week pilgrimage.
The tour began in Corby, where the Relics were first received with great devotion at Our Lady of Walsingham Church. The event drew a large and prayerful congregation, and was a deeply moving experience for all who came to venerate the saints.
From Corby, the Relics were transferred to the Brothers of the Northampton Council on Wednesday, and are now exposed for public veneration at Northampton Cathedral until Friday 18th July, after which they will travel to Bedford for the next stage of the tour.
This pilgrimage brings the faithful into closer contact with three extraordinary figures from the Church’s history:
- St Andrew, one of the twelve Apostles and the brother of St Peter, is the patron saint of Scotland. He was martyred on an X-shaped cross and is remembered for his missionary zeal and deep humility. His relics have long been associated with the early Christian heritage of Scotland.
- St Columba (521–597), an Irish monk and missionary, is best known for bringing Christianity to Scotland. He founded the famous abbey on the island of Iona, which became a centre of learning and evangelisation. Columba’s life was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and tireless devotion to spreading the Gospel.
- St Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045–1093), an English princess and Scottish queen, was renowned for her deep faith, charitable works, and efforts to reform the Church in Scotland. She cared for the poor, promoted education, and strengthened Christian life at court and beyond. Canonised in 1250, she remains a model of holiness for laypeople and leaders alike.
The presence of their relics among us is a rare and blessed opportunity to seek their intercession and be inspired by their witness to Christ. All are warmly encouraged to visit the Cathedral or the upcoming locations, to spend time in prayer and reflection during this grace-filled pilgrimage.
