Songs For All Seasons

Today is St. Andrew’s Day so naturally our Song of the Day today is to celebrate the patron saint of Scotland. St. Andrew holds a cherished place not only as the patron saint of Scotland but also for 21 other nations and towns. His protective embrace extends to fishermen, fishmongers, rope-makers, textile workers, singers, miners, pregnant women, butchers, farm workers, and even offers solace against ailments like sore throats, convulsions, fever, and whooping cough, as well as to the valiant souls of the Russian Navy and the US Army Rangers! St. Andrew was one of the original twelve Apostles of Christ, a brother of St. Peter. Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross, or saltire. Legend has it that Óengus mac Fergusa, the king of the Picts from 820 to 834, heavily outnumbered, led an army of Picts and Scots into battle against the Angles. On the eve of battle, he prayed fervently, vowing that if victory was granted to him, he would name Andrew as the pat...