Curetán facts for kids

Saint Curetán (also known as Curitanus, Kiritinus, or Boniface in Latin) was an important bishop and saint from the early Middle Ages. He lived in what is now Scotland, around the late 600s and early 700s. He was a leader among the Picts, an ancient group of people who lived in Scotland.

Curetán is mentioned in old historical records. For example, he is listed as a witness in a very old law document called the Cáin Adomnáin. In other old lists of saints, like the Martyrology of Tallaght, he is called "of Ross Mand Bairend." This suggests he was a bishop and abbot (a leader of a monastery) in a place called Ross, which is thought to be Rosemarkie in the Black Isle area of Scotland.

His Story and Legends

We learn more about Saint Curetán from an old book called the Aberdeen Breviary, written in the 1500s. In this book, his story is told under the name "Boniface."

This old story says that Curetán had a very interesting background. It claims he was a descendant of the sister of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew, two famous apostles. The story says he was first made a priest in Jerusalem. Then, he traveled to Rome and even became the Pope for a short time! After that, he supposedly resigned and moved to Pictland (ancient Scotland). While this story is likely a legend, it shows how important people thought Curetán was.

This legend might have been created during a time when there was a big debate in the church called the "Easter Controversy." This was about when to celebrate Easter. Some people wanted to follow the Roman way, and stories like Curetán's might have helped encourage that.

Connecting with Kings

Curetán is also linked to King Nechtan mac Der-Ilei, who ruled the Picts. King Nechtan's brother, Bridei, was also involved in the Cáin Adomnáin document.

King Nechtan asked Abbot Ceolfrith from a monastery in England for advice on the Easter date. He found the abbot's arguments convincing and decided to adopt the Roman way of celebrating Easter. A famous historian named Bede wrote that King Nechtan placed the churches of the Picts under the protection of Saint Peter. Curetán-Boniface is also connected to churches like Restenneth Priory and Invergowrie, which, like Rosemarkie, were dedicated to Saint Peter. This shows his importance in bringing the Pictish church closer to the wider Christian church in the west.

Places Named After Him

Many places in Scotland are named after Saint Curetán. You can find these names along Glen Urquhart, Strathglass, Glen Glass, Loch Ness, and the Cromarty Firth. There are also places in Orkney dedicated to Saint Peter and Boniface.

Historians like Barbara Yorke suggest that Curetán was a very important person in Pictland. She believes he played a big role in helping the Pictish church connect more with other Christian churches after they adopted the "Roman Easter" and a specific haircut for monks called the tonsure.

Veneration

Saint Curetán's feast day, which is a special day to remember him, is on March 14.

There is a special place called a clootie well near the village of Munlochy on the Black Isle. This well is dedicated to Saint Curetán. People believe that if they visit this well, Saint Curetán can help cure sick children.

The Scottish Episcopal church in Ardgay is also named in honor of Saint Curetán.