HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE EMBARGO
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GLASGOW - 16.09.2010 - 17.15
Bellahouston Park
Holy Mass
Original text
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Kingdom of God is very near to you! (Lk 10:9). With these words of the Gospel we have just heard, I greet
all of you with great affection in the Lord. Truly the Lord s Kingdom is already in our midst! At this Eucharistic
celebration in which the Church in Scotland gathers around the altar in union with the Successor of Peter, let us reaffirm
our faith in Christ s word and our hope “ a hope which never disappoints “ in his promises! I warmly greet Cardinal
O Brien and the Scottish Bishops; I thank in particular Archbishop Conti for his kind words of welcome on your behalf;
and I express my deep gratitude for the work that the British and Scottish Governments and the Glasgow city fathers have
done to make this occasion possible.
Today s Gospel reminds us that Christ continues to send his disciples into the world in order to proclaim the coming
of his Kingdom and to bring his peace into the world, beginning house by house, family by family, town by town. I have
come as a herald of that peace to you, the spiritual children of Saint Andrew and to confirm you in the faith of Peter (cf.
Lk 22:32). It is with some emotion that I address you, not far from the spot where my beloved predecessor Pope John Paul
II celebrated Mass nearly thirty years ago with you and was welcomed by the largest crowd ever gathered in Scottish
history.
Much has happened in Scotland and in the Church in this country since that historic visit. I note with great
satisfaction how Pope John Paul s call to you to walk hand in hand with your fellow Christians has led to greater trust and
friendship with the members of the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and others. Let me encourage you
to continue to pray and work with them in building a brighter future for Scotland based upon our common Christian
heritage. In today s first reading we heard Saint Paul appeal to the Romans to acknowledge that, as members of Christ s
body, we belong to each other (cf. Rom 12:5) and to live in respect and mutual love. In that spirit I greet the ecumenical
representatives who honour us by their presence. This year marks the 450th anniversary of the Reformation Parliament,
but also the 100th anniversary of the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, which is widely acknowledged to mark
the birth of the modern ecumenical movement. Let us give thanks to God for the promise which ecumenical understanding
and cooperation represents for a united witness to the saving truth of God s word in today s rapidly changing society.
Among the differing gifts which Saint Paul lists for the building up of the Church is that of teaching (cf. Rom 12:7).
The preaching of the Gospel has always been accompanied by concern for the word: the inspired word of God and the
culture in which that word takes root and flourishes. Here in Scotland, I think of the three medieval universities founded
here by the popes, including that of Saint Andrews which is beginning to mark the 600th anniversary of its foundation. In
the last 30 years and with the assistance of civil authorities, Scottish Catholic schools have taken up the challenge of
providing an integral education to greater numbers of students, and this has helped young people not only along the path
of spiritual and human growth, but also in entering the professions and public life. This is a sign of great hope for the
Church, and I encourage the Catholic professionals, politicians and teachers of Scotland never to lose sight of their calling
to use their talents and experience in the service of the faith, engaging contemporary Scottish culture at every level.
The evangelization of culture is all the more important in our times, when a dictatorship of relativism threatens
to obscure the unchanging truth about man s nature, his destiny and his ultimate good. There are some who now seek to
exclude religious belief from public discourse, to privatize it or even to paint it as a threat to equality and liberty. Yet
religion is in fact a guarantee of authentic liberty and respect, leading us to look upon every person as a brother or sister.
For this reason I appeal in particular to you, the lay faithful, in accordance with your baptismal calling and mission, not
only to be examples of faith in public, but also to put the case for the promotion of faith s wisdom and vision in the public
forum. Society today needs clear voices which propose our right to live, not in a jungle of self-destructive and arbitrary
freedoms, but in a society which works for the true welfare of its citizens and offers them guidance and protection in the
face of their weakness and fragility. Do not be afraid to take up this service to your brothers and sisters, and to the future
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of your beloved nation.
Saint Ninian, whose feast we celebrate today, was himself unafraid to be a lone voice. In the footsteps of the
disciples whom our Lord sent forth before him, Ninian was one of the very first Catholic missionaries to bring his fellow
Britons the good news of Jesus Christ. His mission church in Galloway became a centre for the first evangelization of this
country. That work was later taken up by Saint Mungo, Glasgow s own patron, and by other saints, the greatest of whom
must include Saint Columba and Saint Margaret. Inspired by them, many men and women have laboured over many
centuries to hand down the faith to you. Strive to be worthy of this great tradition! Let the exhortation of Saint Paul in the
first reading be your constant inspiration: Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient
in suffering and persevere in prayer (cf. Rom 12:11-12).
I would now like to address a special word to the bishops of Scotland. Dear brothers, let me encourage you in your
pastoral leadership of the Catholics of Scotland. As you know, one of your first pastoral duties is to your priests (cf.
Presbyterorum Ordinis, 7) and to their sanctification. As they are alter Christus to the Catholic community, so you are to
them. Live to the full the charity that flows from Christ, in your brotherly ministry towards your priests, collaborating with
them all, and in particular with those who have little contact with their fellow priests. Pray with them for vocations, that
the Lord of the harvest will send labourers to his harvest (cf. Lk 10:2). Just as the Eucharist makes the Church, so the
priesthood is central to the life of the Church. Engage yourselves personally in forming your priests as a body of men who
inspire others to dedicate themselves completely to the service of Almighty God. Have a care also for your deacons, whose
ministry of service is associated in a particular way with that of the order of bishops. Be a father and a guide in holiness
for them, encouraging them to grow in knowledge and wisdom in carrying out the mission of herald to which they have been
called.
Dear priests of Scotland, you are called to holiness and to serve God s people by modelling your lives on the mystery
of the Lord s cross. Preach the Gospel with a pure heart and a clear conscience. Dedicate yourselves to God alone and you
will become shining examples to young men of a holy, simple and joyful life: they, in their turn, will surely wish to join you
in your single-minded service of God s people. May the example of Saint John Ogilvie, dedicated, selfless and brave, inspire
all of you. Similarly, let me encourage you, the monks, nuns and religious of Scotland to be a light on a hilltop, living an
authentic Christian life of prayer and action that witnesses in a luminous way to the power of the Gospel.
Finally, I would like to say a word to you, my dear young Catholics of Scotland. I urge you to lead lives worthy of
our Lord (cf. Eph 4:1) and of yourselves. There are many temptations placed before you every day - drugs, money, sex,
pornography, alcohol - which the world tells you will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive.
There is only one thing which lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for each one of you. Search for him, know him and
love him, and he will set you free from slavery to the glittering but superficial existence frequently proposed by today s
society. Put aside what is worthless and learn of your own dignity as children of God. In today s Gospel, Jesus asks us to
pray for vocations: I pray that many of you will know and love Jesus Christ and, through that encounter, will dedicate
yourselves completely to God, especially those of you who are called to the priesthood and religious life. This is the challenge
the Lord gives to you today: the Church now belongs to you!
Dear friends, I express once more my joy at celebrating this Mass with you. I am happy to assure you of my prayers
in the ancient language of your country: Sìth agus beannachd Dhe dhuibh uile; Dia bhi timcheall oirbh; agus gum
beannaicheadh Dia Alba. God s peace and blessing to you all; God surround you; and may God bless the people of Scotland!
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SCMO | 9 hours ago | Blogging
Media Arrangements for Archbishop Tartaglia's Funeral The Archbishop’s Funeral Rites will be celebrated in St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, subject to the restrictions that are in place. Under current regulations only 20 of the Archbishop’s closest family and friends will attend and no media presence in the Cathedral will be possible. However media outlets are free to make use of the following arrangements: Vigil ceremony and Reception of Remains of Archbishop Tartaglia on Wednesday 20th January at 6.30 pm accessible by using this video link: https://youtu.be/idlkb2sNUcc The Archbishop's Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday 21st January at 12 noon, and will be accessible by using this video link: https://youtu.be/tS6rtYC0DhMS Still photos of the ceremonies will be available shortly after each liturgy at the following address and can be freely downloaded and used by the media. https://www.flickr.com/photos/archdioceseofglasgow/ The main celebrant of the Requiem Mass for Archbishop Tartaglia will be Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland. His sermon will be made available to the media and can be used after 12 noon on Thursday January 21. Please note that external photography is not an option as the Cathedral ceremonies will be held behind closed doors. The coffin of the Archbishop will not be carried from the Cathedral as it will be buried in the Cathedral Crypt immediately after the Requiem Mass. ENDS For further information, contact Ronnie Convery, Director of Communications RCAG - 07735 224789 ...
SCMO | 6 days ago | Blogging
14 January 2021 Following the death of Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan, the current Bishop of Dunkeld, Bishop Stephen Robson, has issued the following statement: My Dear People It is with deep regret that I must share with you the sad news that Bishop Vincent, Emeritus Bishop of this Diocese, has died. Bishop Vincent was 79. Vincent Logan was Bishop of the diocese of Dunkeld for almost 32 years before his retirement on June 30th, 2012. He was appointed to Dunkeld by Saint John Paul II and consecrated Bishop by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray on 26th February 1981. Sadly his retirement years, from 2012 to the present were affected by a good deal of ill health which affected his mobility. He died earlier this morning, 14th January 2021, the day after his good friend Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow alongside whom he served on the Bishops Conference of Scotland. Both bishops succumbed to the lethal effects of the Coronavirus. Bishop Vincent is survived by one remaining brother, James, and by two nephews Vincent and James, to whom our condolences are offered. His faithful PA, Press Officer and friend of 40 years, Elaine Harrison, has cared for him in an exemplary manner especially over the years of his retirement. Though devastated by his death, Elaine is happy that Bishop Vincent is now at peace with the Good Lord. Bishop Vincent Logan was born in Bathgate, West Lothian, on 30th June 1941. After education in St Mary’s Academy, Bathgate, St Mary’s College, Blairs and St Andrew’s College, Drygrange, Vincent was ordained priest by Cardinal Gray in Edinburgh on 14th March 1964. Following on from a number of diocesan appointments as assistant priest in Edinburgh, and further studies in catechetics in Corpus Christi College London, Vincent was appointed, Diocesan Advisor in RE, Director of the RE Office in the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, and finally Vicar Episcopal for Education in the Archdiocese from 1977-1981. His final parochial appointment in the Archdiocese was as Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Ratho, from 1977-1981. Following on from his consecration as Bishop of Dunkeld on 26th February 1981, he served for 32 very energetic and innovative years both in the Diocese and in the Bishops Conference. His work was greatly appreciated at all times. Much can be said about Bishop Vincent’s achievements, but these can wait for a more leisurely time once the pandemic dangers have passed and we can Celebrate Bishop Vincent’s Requiem Mass more appropriately. The funeral arrangements are as yet unknown, but the Mass and burial will be recorded and streamed, so that all who have access to the internet will be able to participate. With every blessing to you all and a request for prayers for Bishop Vincent. + Stephen Robson Bishop of Dunkeld ENDS Peter Kearney Director Catholic Media Office 0141 221 116807968 122291 pk@scmo.org www.scmo.org Note to Editors: An image of Bishop Logan is available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139632090@N07/50833807603/in/album-72157717885467253/ ...
SCMO | 6 days ago | Blogging
14 January 2021 Scotland’s Bishops mourn the death of Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan Following the death today (14 January 2021) of Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has issued the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Vincent Logan, the retired bishop of Dunkeld. The bishops of Scotland offer our deep condolences and the promise of our prayers to Bishop Stephen Robson and all the clergy and people of the Diocese of Dunkeld as they remember Bishop Vincent. Coming only a day after the death in Glasgow of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia marks this week as one of loss and mourning for the Catholic church in Scotland. Bishop Vincent Logan was dedicated and energetic. His episcopal ordination in 1981 at the age of 39 made him one of the youngest bishops in the world and gave him an energy and zeal in all he did. His commitment to Catholic Education was well known and his robust defence of it will be long remembered. On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, we commend his soul into the hands of God and pray that he may enjoy eternal rest.” ENDS Peter Kearney Director Catholic Media Office 0141 221 116807968 122291 pk@scmo.org www.scmo.org Note to Editors: An image of Bishop Logan is available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139632090@N07/50833807603/in/album-72157717885467253/ Biography: Rt. Rev. Vincent Logan: Born Bathgate 30 June 1941, Educated, St. Mary’s Academy, Bathgate, St. Mary’s College Blairs, Aberdeen, St. Andrew’s College, Drygrange. Ordained priest Edinburgh 14 March 1964. Diploma in religious Education, Corpus Christi College London 1966-67. Ordained Bishop of Dunkeld, by Cardinal Gordon gray 26 February 1981. Resugned 30 June 2012. Died 14 Jan 2021 aged 79. Change email address / Leave mailing list Powered by YMLP...
SCMO | 7 days ago | Blogging
13 January 2021 Scotland’s Catholic Bishops mourn the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia Following the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has issued the following statement: “It is with the deepest sadness that we have learned today on the Feast of St. Kentigern (Mungo) of the death of our brother bishop and friend Philip Tartaglia. His loss to his family, his clergy and the people of the Archdiocese of Glasgow will be immeasurable but for the entire Church in Scotland this is a day of immense loss and sadness. He was a gentle, caring and warm-hearted pastor who combined compassion with a piercing intellect. His contribution to the work of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland over the past sixteen years was significant and we will miss his wisdom, wit and robust Catholic spirit very much. On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, we commend his soul into the hands of God and pray that he may enjoy eternal rest.” ENDS Peter Kearney Director Catholic Media Office 0141 221 116807968 122291 pk@scmo.org www.scmo.org Note to Editors: An image of Archbishop Tartaglia is available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139632090@N07/25510264473/in/album-72157666531058155/ Biography: Philip Tartaglia was born at Glasgow on 11th January 1951. He is the eldest son of Guido and Annita Tartaglia and had three brothers and five sisters. After his primary schooling at St. Thomas’, Riddrie, he began his secondary education at St. Mungo’s Academy, Glasgow, before moving to the national junior seminary at St. Vincent’s College, Langbank and, later, St. Mary’s College, Blairs, Aberdeen. His ecclesiastical studies were completed at the Pontifical Scots College, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained Priest by then-Archbishop Thomas Winning in the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Dennistoun on 30th June 1975. He then returned to Rome to study for his Doctorate in Sacred Theology. On completing his Doctorate in 1980, he was appointed assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Cardonald, while at the same time becoming visiting lecturer at St. Peter’s College, Newlands, Glasgow. A year later, he was appointed Lecturer at St. Peter’s College, Newlands, becoming Director of Studies in 1983. When Chesters College, Bearsden, opened in 1985 he was made Vice-Rector. In 1987 he was appointed Rector. He served as Rector until 1993 when he was appointed to St. Patrick’s, Dumbarton, as Assistant Priest before being appointed Parish Priest of St. Mary’s, Duntocher in 1995. In 2004, the Bishops’ Conference appointed him Rector of the Pontifical Scots College, Rome. On 13th September 2005, Pope Benedict XVI nominated him Bishop of Paisley. On 20 November 2005, he was ordained Bishop in St Mirin's Cathedral by Archbishop Mario Conti who he was to succeed as Archbishop of Glasgow On 24th July 2012, Bishop Tartaglia was appointed Archbishop of Glasgow and was installed at St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, on Saturday 8th September 2012, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He died on January 13 2021, the Feast of St Mungo, the Patron Saint of Glasgow. ...