The 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie was celebrated at various events in Glasgow from 7th to 10th March 2015 and at the Church’s National Pilgrimage held in the town of Keith on 4th July 2015. Some resources were developed to promote learning and teaching about the life of St John Ogilve and to reflect on a story of great bravery, determination and heroic martyrdom. These resources also provide an opportunity for reflection on the various forms of religious freedom and tolerance around the world today.
John Ogilvie, born in Keith, was ordained a Jesuit priest at a time when Catholicism was outlawed in Scotland. He risked his personal safety on many occasions when he tried to support fellow Catholics whose practice of their faith was forbidden. In 1615 he was betrayed, arrested, tortured and executed at Glasgow Cross. Revered in Europe for centuries as a martyr, John Ogilvie was canonised in 1976, becoming Scotland’s first saint since Queen Margaret in 1250.
SCES Resources
The resources are presented for use with primary and secondary pupils. Teachers might use them to mark the anniversary, for example, during a whole school assembly, as part of an R.E. lesson or during a time of prayer and reflection. Suggestions for methodology have been included, but teachers can adapt these to meet the needs of their pupils.
Jesuit Resources
Some excellent resources are also available on the website of the Jesuit Institute. These include: biography, images, drama texts, poetry, music, prayer and refelction. Some prayer cards and textbooks can also be ordered from the Jesuit Institute.
Interesting Historical document
Teachers of Religious Education, students at the senior phase of secondary education and others may be interested in acquiring a copy of a booklet which tells the fascinating story of how Catholics in parts of 18th century Scotland were persecuted for their faith. Copies are available for purchase from Rev. Fr. Michael Briody, St Michael’s Parish, 133 Glenmanor Avenue, Moodiesburn, Glasgow G69 0DI.
| Resource | details |
| a short animation (5mins 45 secs.) telling the story of St John Ogilvie’s life and martyrdom | |
| Words of St John Ogilvie, Scottish Martyr | a short video (2 mins.) displaying some words and images associated with the death of St John Ogilvie, prompting prayer and reflection on his life and death. |
| St John Ogilvie Primary learning | A PowerPoint which can be used at various levels in Primary school to tell the story of St John Ogilvie and to suggest related learning activities. |
| St John Ogilvie Primary learning | A smaller PDF file showing the above PowerPoint slides. |
| St John Ogilvie Secondary Assembly | A PowerPoint which outlines the story of St John Ogilvie |
| St John Ogilvie Secondary prayer & activities | Prayers and worksheets for learning activities |
| St John Ogilvie Senior Phase learning | A4 page layout of suggested activities suitable to senior phase students |
| St John Ogilvie Senior Phase PowerPoint | PowerPoint with suggested activities suitable to senior phase students |
