Chapel Service for the Commemoration of St Leonard

Each November St Leonard’s Postgraduate College and the University Chaplaincy warmly invite Masters students and Doctoral students to a service of commemoration for the feast day of St Leonard.

About St Leonard and the Commemoration Service

‌St Leonard was a Frankish noble who converted to Christianity in 496AD. He is venerated as the patron saint of prisoners and captives. Places and towns across Europe are named after St Leonard, including St Leonard’s Postgraduate College – the heart of the postgraduate community of St Andrews.

In 1747 St Leonard’s College and St Salvator’s College were merged to form the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard. Despite the fact that the buildings of St Leonard’s College were in better condition, it was the St Salvator’s site that was chosen to be the seat of the new United College. In 1772 the buildings and gardens of St Leonard’s College were sold off, with the exception of the St Leonard’s Chapel.

St Leonard’s Chapel, parts of which are thought to date from the 12th century, remains a part of the University. The annual service commemoration not only marks the feast day of St Leonard but also serves as an opportunity to remember the history of St Leonard’s College.

You can read more about the history of St Leonard’s Chapel.

Attend the Service

All postgraduate students are welcome to attend the service, followed by a reception at Old Burgh School.

The proposed date for this year’s service is Sunday 3 November 2024 at 6 pm in St Leonard’s Chapel.

Worship in St Andrews

Postgraduates are welcome to attend the regular services and prayer meetings in the University’s two chapels – St Leonard’s Chapel and St Salvator’s Chapel.

Learn more about worship in St Andrews and other University Chaplaincy events.