Concerning Our Name

Community of St. Ninian
and
St. Ninian's Well

St. Ninian is the person who is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland through the establishment of a monastery at Whithorn in Galloway in 397 AD, 1600 years ago. From this monastery, Ninian and his monks traveled throughout southern and eastern Scotland spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the Pictish people who were thought by some Roman Christians to be beyond the realm of God. The evangelism seemed to be one of leading an exemplary Christian lifestyle and reaching out to the people in love, healing and care, while having the great Celtic love for the natural world. The monastery at Whithorn, Candida Casa, became known as a place of hospitality and great learning.

The well throughout the ages has been a sign of hospitality for it is here that the thirsty are given to drink. In the New Testament, John 4:6-42, the well is seen as a place of gathering, healing, acceptance, and transformation. It is here that Jesus teaches us to draw living water from the well that will never run dry, Jesus the Christ.

Through the Community of St. Ninian and St. Ninian's Well, we hope to bring to life these meanings again. We try to reflect St. Ninian in reaching out to those who are felt to be beyond the realm of God, specifically those in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-, and questioning communities. Following the example of Christ, we reach out in healing, love, and care to God's children. As a community we value the earth and the beauty of God's creation. We struggle to be a learning and growing community as we reflect on God's Word and action.

St. Ninian's Well is the center of our mission. The Well is a place of hospitality for those in transitions in their lives. It is a place of spiritual growth and evangelism by lifestyle, a place of healing and acceptance so that our guests might experience newness of life in Jesus the Christ.


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