Ever wonder about the patron saint watching over Glasgow? St Mungo, also known as Saint Kentigern, is the city’s founder. We stand here near where his story began.
St Mungo lived from 528 to 614 AD. His life is a blend of faith and legend. According to stories, Mungo’s mother was Princess Theneva. She was the daughter of King Loth of the Gododdin. Theneva fell pregnant after an encounter with her cousin. Her father was not pleased. He had her thrown from Traprain Law. Miraculously, she survived.
The Gododdin then cast her adrift on the River Forth in a coracle. She landed at Culross in Fife. There, she gave birth to Kentigern. St Serf ran a monastery at Culross. He took in both mother and son. St Serf gave Kentigern the name Mungo. It meant “dear one”. St Serf oversaw Mungo’s upbringing.
At 25, St Mungo began his missionary work on the River Clyde. People already converted by St Ninian welcomed him. Mungo built his church near the Clyde and the Molendinar Burn. This early church’s site has been part of Glasgow Cathedral since the 1200s.
Mungo worked here for 13 years. Then, the anti-Christian King Morken of Strathclyde drove him out around AD565. Mungo traveled to Wales and spent time with St David. He possibly founded a cathedral at St Asaph. He even made a pilgrimage to Rome.
In the 570s, King Rhydderch Hael of Strathclyde overthrew Morken. He invited Mungo to become Archbishop of Strathclyde. Mungo based himself in northern Galloway initially. In August 584, Mungo converted the bard Merlin to Christianity. This happened near a church he later founded: Stobo Kirk.
Mungo later returned to the River Clyde. His church became the center of a large community. It became known as Clas-gu. That meant “dear family”. The modern city of Glasgow emerged from these beginnings.
Saint Columba visited Mungo at Clas-gu. Columba was working as a missionary in central Scotland. Mungo died here on January 13, 614. He died in his bath or during a baptismal service. Interpretations differ. He was buried near his church. Today, his tomb lies in Glasgow Cathedral’s Lower Choir. It is probably on his actual grave site.
To become a saint, one had to perform miracles. St Mungo was said to have performed four. They are referred to in a poem. “Here is the bird that never flew. Here is the tree that never grew. Here is the bell that never rang. Here is the fish that never swam.”
He restored life to St Serf’s pet robin. Classmates had killed it and hoped to blame Mungo. He used tree branches to restart a fire at St Serf’s monastery. He had fallen asleep while watching it. He brought a miraculous bell back from Rome. Queen Languoreth of Strathclyde was accused of infidelity. King Riderich had thrown her wedding ring into the river. St Mungo ordered a servant to catch a fish. The ring was found inside. This proved the queen’s innocence.
Today, the bird, tree, bell, and fish are on Glasgow City Council’s crest. St Mungo is also responsible for Glasgow’s motto. It is based on his original prayer. “Lord let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of thy word and praising thy name.” Since 1699, it has been shortened to “Let Glasgow flourish”.
So as you explore Glasgow remember St Mungo. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of this city. He inspires its people to flourish.