Sculpture dedicated to Saint Magnus installed at St Mary's Church in Inverness
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Bishop Hugh Gilbert, the Bishop of Aberdeen, dedicated and blessed a new sculpture of St Magnus of Orkney at the Roman Catholic church in Huntly Street, Inverness.
The sculpture was made by artist and sculptor Leonie Gibbs of Belladrum.
It shows St Magnus surrounded by the words “Bright Magnus, I have no quarrel. Show us your path of peace. Pray for us.”
St Magnus is wearing a gold crown and has piercing eyes.
The sculptor was on hand at its installation at St Mary's Church.
In his address to the congregation who gathered to mark the installation of the sculpture, Bishop Gilbert said: “The Orcadian poet, George Mackay Brown, described Magnus as the first Orkney man of rank to take the new religion seriously.
“It was in the face of death that Magnus showed the depth of mercy which lay in his heart.
“Magnus continues to yield a harvest of peace and mercy 900 years after he made the sacrifice of his life.”
He prayed: “Most merciful God, it is your wish that we be mindful always of your marvellous works: grant that the things which we behold with our eyes may move our minds to dwell on the signs of your mercy.
“Blessed be your name, O Lord; you are the font and source of every blessing, and you look with delight on the devout practices of the faithful. Draw near, we pray, and bless this sculpture, and these your servants, as they use this symbol of the holy martyr Magnus.
“May they be inspired to seek your grace, and strive to be transformed, as he was, into the likeness of Christ, your son, who lives and reigns.”
