The story behind Glasgow's saint revealed

Glasgow! The dear green place.
The play takes place at St Helen's.The play takes place at St Helen's.
The play takes place at St Helen's.

The bird, the bell, the tree, the fish... but what is the story behind the legend?

All is revealed in a new play written and directed by Stephen Callaghan, entitled “Mungo: Legend of Glasgow’s Saint”.

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Stephen said: “Most people have some vague idea about the stories associated with Mungo, but few people really know what is behind the symbols enshrined in Glasgow’s coat of arms.”

Stephen is the Creative Director of the Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project (AGAP), initiated by Mario Conti in 2006, when he was Archbishop of Glasgow.

He added: “It has been an exciting journey so far.

”We’ve established the annual Lentfest programme which brings together people of all faiths across six weeks of the arts – from plays to concerts, exhibitions and film screenings.”

Stephen’s interest in St Mungo came about when he was studying for his degree at Glasgow University, promising himself that one day he would write the life story of the saint.

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Now with a large ensemble cast, the play follows the life of Mungo – baptised Kentigern– from his earliest years to becoming the founder and patron saint of the city of Glasgow.

The play takes place at St Helen’s, Langside on Saturday, March 17.

You can also see it at Glasgow City Chambers, George Square on Tuesday, March 13.

Tickets are priced at £5, and can be obtained by calling AGAP on 0141 552 5527.