10 March 2025

The Vita Niniani or ‘Life of Ninian’ is a twelfth century document which was commissioned by Christianus, Bishop of Whithorn. It was reputedly written by Aelred, the Abbot of Rievaulx in Yorkshire.

It’s this document which gives us the contemporary name for our saint, Ninian. According to David Adam, the author alludes to an earlier life which he describes as ‘barbarous in its content’. This may have been destroyed in Anglo-Saxon or Viking raids?

There is also a reference to King Tudwal and several miracles including one concerning Ninian’s flock of sheep. In order to protect them throughout the night, Ninian drew a circle on the ground around them with his staff or bachall and blessed them.

Thinking that the sheep were unprotected, a thief  attempts to steal them. Entering the circle of blessing, he drops down dead. Ninian discovers him, revives him and the repentant thief is spared.

Reflecting on this miraculous tale, David Adam draws our attention to the Celtic tradition of caim or circle prayers. They were used to enfold and protect a person in the love of God. Evidence of these prayers is to be found in Alexander Carmichael’s collection, Carmina Gaedelica:

The compassing of God be on thee,

The compassing of the God of life.

The compassing of Christ be on thee,

The compassing of the Christ of love.

The compassing of the Spirit be on thee,

The compassing of the Spirit of Grace.

The compassing of the Three be on thee,

The compassing of the Three preserve thee,

The compassing of the Three preserve thee.