NEWS Mass for Saint Margaret, Queen of Scotland
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Galloway Diocese Lent
NEWS
Edition
March
2020
Mass for Saint Margaret,
Queen of Scotland
Bishop Nolan celebrated Mass with staff
sand pupils in Queen Margaret
Academy, Ayr, on 16th November, the
feast day of St Margaret of Scotland, to
honour their patron and celebrate the
opening of their new school.
More about QMA on page 9.
The Bishop Writes
We have a Christian duty to protect the planet and care for the
environment. Small changes can make a big difference.
“
Pre-loved clothes for sale”. I after the Paris meeting when
saw that sign outside a governments took on commitments to
charity shop. “Pre-loved” is lower their emissions of carbon
more appealing than “second dioxide.
-hand”. Did you know that It is also five years since Pope
using charity shops is not just a good Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, which
way of helping a charity but is also puts the care of our common home in a
good for the environment? Nowadays Christian context. That is a document
we are urged to reduce, reuse, recycle. that is always worth re-reading to
Reusing preloved or second-hand remind ourselves that God’s creation
clothes cuts down on manufacture, transport and waste. has been given to us on trust. Not only do we have to care for
For the past year Justice & Peace Scotland have been it now so that all who are alive today can benefit from the
encouraging us all to make small changes to our lifestyles to world’s resources, but we also have to pass it on to a future
help protect the environment. Perhaps shopping in a charity generation. We should not leave our children and
shop could be one of those changes. grandchildren to sort out problems that we have created, nor
Other changes might be a bit more challenging. For should we use up for ourselves all the resources that nature
instance, what about the milk I put on my cornflakes? gives us.
The scene of cows grazing in a meadow may be
picturesque, but cows produce more than their fair share of R educe, reuse, recycle is the motto nowadays. But it
will take a lot to get us to change our wasteful ways.
We have developed a throwaway culture, as can be seen in the
methane gas that contributes to global warming, and
environmentalists question whether pasture land is a good use plastic that pollutes our oceans. We buy new clothes, while
of agricultural resources. That pint of milk comes at a heavy our wardrobes are full of clothes. We throw away food, while
environmental cost. others in our world have no food to eat. And we are now
addicted to our holiday abroad, as we chase the sun on un-
During Lent, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, we are
environmentally friendly aircraft.
asked to abstain from meat. But perhaps we should abstain
more often. Not only do we eat too much meat than is good God has blessed us with the gift of creation. But the world
for our own health but producing meat takes a heavy toll on is there for us to use, not to exploit. Its resources are there to
the earth’s climate. be shared and the environment is there to be cared for. That is
the challenge that we have to face if we are to pass the
Later this year COP26 takes place in Glasgow. This
blessings of our common home on to a future generation.
United Nations meeting on climate change comes five years
The priests of the diocese at the Assembly of Priests in November 2019
2
Memories of a spiritual journey
Jim McKendrick remembers his visit to the Holy Land and the immediate
connection to the Lord.
L
ast November, Florence and I were privileged to visit Peter’s house (his mother-in-law’s really) have been revealed,
the Holy Land. To actually see places we have read and what is thought to be a 1st century church dating from
about so often in the Gospels, to be able to visualise around 50AD. There is also a 2nd century, synagogue which
the scene of so many of Christ’s miracles, was like a TV has been partially restored. Excavations beneath its
programme switching from black and white to HD colour. Our foundations have revealed an earlier 1st century synagogue
pilgrimage took us to some of the most atmospheric places which is thought to have been where Jesus preached.
which had played such an important part in Christ’s life. To In Jerusalem, on a single day at, and inside, the walls of
have walked in the footsteps of the Lord, to have breathed the the Old City, we visited some of the holiest sites
air that he breathed, to have seen the sights that he saw – what of Abrahamic religions. First, we prayed at the Western
a privilege! What an experience! So many memories! And it (Wailing) Wall, divided for men and women. These stones
was made all the more poignant by the fact that it all occurred date back to the First Century B.C. when King Herod the
as we were approaching the start of the fiftieth year of our Great built a retaining wall around the Temple. For present
married life. day Jews the Wall is the place they can worship which is
My memories of our visit are a kaleidoscope of closest to the Temple Mount, where tradition says Abraham
experiences; washing our feet in the River Jordan; Nazareth prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. And Jews have continued
and St Mary’s Well; the House of Joseph and the beautiful, to experience God’s presence near this site for over 3500
years. I was very fortunate to witness a beautiful scene. A
group in the corner of the men’s section was celebrating a Bar
Mitzvah, and at one point the men lifted a young boy in a
chair and were dancing around holding him up. Immediately
afterwards he proceeded to proclaim out loud for the first time
verses from the scroll of the Torah.
T he Mount of Olives presents the most wonderful view
across the Kidron Valley to the old city walls .and the
golden Dome of the Rock. As I stood in the Garden of
Gethsemane, I thought of a disappointed Jesus, looking out
across the Kidron Valley at Jerusalem, where just outside the
modern Basilica of the Annunciation; the old City of city walls he would be crucified in less than 24 hours.
Jerusalem. So many very special experiences it is hard to
My lasting memory of the Holy Land is the visit to the
single out a particular one. However there were a number of
Canacle or Upper room, (pictured) where such great things
extra special memories for me.
happened; the Last Supper, The Washing of the Feet and the
After leaving Nazareth and the River Jordan, we spent the Descent of the Holy Spirit. It was an immense emotional and
rest of a delightful day in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. spiritual moment. Above all else, I will always remember
We stopped for lunch at a spot on the shores where lunch was Florence reading the words of Consecration, as we all bowed
St Peter’s fish, a tilapia, which swims in abundance in the our heads in silent contemplation.
lake. Afterwards walking down to the lake side, it was easy
for me to imagine Jesus preaching on its shores, meeting his
disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, fishing and inviting
them to follow him. It all became so much more real.
I was profoundly moved by the beauty and panorama at
the modern, octagonal Church of the Beatitudes and
experiencing the peace and tranquillity of the Mount of
Beatitudes where the Lord gave us his model for Christian
living. Standing outside the Church, and looking down the hill
towards the Sea of Galilee, the contours of the land seemed to
form a natural amphitheatre, perfect for outdoor preaching.
The visit to Capernaum, the site of so many miracles, was
a very spiritual moment. We saw so much ongoing
archaeological excavation. The site where the remains of St
3
Two SSVP Christmas Events
S t Joseph’s Church, Stranraer
SSVP once again entered a
Christmas Tree in the Christmas
Tree festival at Penningham Church
of Scotland, Newton Stewart. The
tree was decorated to highlight the
work of SSVP locally, nationally
from around the Diocese and globally. There were over 70
trees in the church, and donations
from visitors raised over £900 for
the work of the Bethany Trust with
homeless people in the Dumfries
area.
SSVP Christmas Party: Amélie Davidson reports
T he Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Joseph’s Church, Kilmarnock,
organised a Christmas party for the recipients of their drop-in centre.
They enjoyed sandwiches followed by homemade Christmas cakes and of
course, mince pies! S2 pupil at St Joseph’s Academy and altar server
Joseph kindly made Christmas cards which were greatly appreciated by
the recipients. A great time was had by all!
Pizza and Panto Night!
A pproximately 40 young
people gathered in St
Margaret’s Cathedral Hall
during Christmastide to
participate in the Youth Ministry
Office “Pizza and Panto” night.
The young people travelled from
all parts of the diocese: from
Largs in the north to Dumfries in
the south, and some hailed from
Italy! The Youth Ministry Team
did a great job with their new
director, Father Jim, on their first
activity together. The evening was attended by Bishop Nolan who joined us for a time to spread Christmas cheer among the
young folk. The evening was full of fun, games, drama and a beautiful candle-lit prayer around the Christ Child to end.
Look out for our next event on World Youth Day, Palm Sunday in St Margaret’s Cathedral Hall, Ayr (KA8 0BS) on Sunday
5th April from 6 pm till 8.30 pm . All young people (of all ages) are more than welcome to this free event.
Diocese of Galloway Youth Ministry Office (YMO), Director: Father Jim Hayes. Office contact: St Teresa’s, Glasgow Street,,
Dumfries, DG2 9DE. Tel: 01387 252603
Galloway Lourdes Hospitalite
G alloway Lourdes
Hospitalite
thanks everyone who
attended Mass at the
Cathedral on 9th
February to celebrate
World Day of Prayer
for the Sick and
attend their AGM.
4
A Work of Art
The new Church of St John the Evangelist, Stevenston, which was solemnly opened on Thursday 4th July 1963,
has many features which greatly enhance the liturgy including the brass baptismal font.
Jim McKendrick explains the imagery.
A
striking, unique feature of the church is that However, in 1980 it was
there are only two brick walls (at both gable moved nearer the
ends), the sides of the church consist of four Sanctuary, just in front of
large, stunningly beautiful, stained and frosted the Resurrection window.
glass windows which represent biblical scenes, and at the This allows the
gable end, behind the choir loft, a window depicts St John the congregation to participate
Evangelist, and below this is the Baptistery window. The more fully at the Easter
overall visual impact is all the more arresting as there are no Vigil blessing of the font,
pillars supporting the roof. or at any Baptism.
The image of the deer
seeking running water is
common in Christian
iconography relating to
baptism, dating from at
least the 3rd and 4th
centuries AD. Perhaps the
most well known example
is the gift of the emperor
Constantine to the
Baptistery of the Lateran Basilica in 312AD of a gold statue
of the Lamb of God and seven silver deer, arranged around the
font and designed to feed water into it. This illustrates the
clear link between baptism and salvation. In his commentary
on Psalm 42, St Jerome states that the deer symbolises
catechumens, thirsting for spiritual water; while St Augustine
had a preference for baptism where Psalm 42 was chanted or
sung. Use of this imagery carried on down through the ages,
ranging from the Venerable Bede to Canon Joseph Maxwell in
1963.
The impressive wooden altar was the only one of that
T he association of sung versions of the Psalm with the
Rite of Baptism, and, in particular, with the baptism
of catechumens, dates back to the early church. Over the ages,
material in the diocese at the time of the church’s opening. On there have been many musical arrangements of the Psalm,
the front of the altar is displayed the symbolic representation ranging from local parish choirmasters to famous composers
of St John the Evangelist. like Handel and Mendelssohn. By many accounts, the most
Another unique feature is the outstanding example of Renaissance
Baptismal font. Fashioned entirely in choral art is the Sicut Cervus, composed
brass, it depicts the font as a half trunk by Giovanni Palestrina and published in
of a tree, beneath which shelters a deer Venice in 1604. This is still in use on a
– a reference to Psalm 42 , “As the regular basis today. Rather fittingly,
deer longs for streams of water, so my Psalm 42 was sung as the Responsorial
soul yearns for you, my God”. The Psalm during the Mass to celebrate the
first few words of the Psalm are 40th anniversary of the new church.
written in Latin around the lip of the We are so fortunate in St John’s to
font: “Sicut cervus ad fontes aquarum” worship in such a beautiful church
are often abbreviated to Sicut cervus which links the modern era with the
and used to denote musical settings or earlier church with such striking
arrangements of Psalm 42. imagery. A guided tour of the chapel
Originally, the font was situated can be accessed from our website
in front of the Baptistery window. www.stevenstonstjohns.com
5
Bird’s Eye View ...
Galloway Glimpses from the air
Three unusual views of churches in the diocese, taken from above
On the left is a photograph of St Peter’s
Ardrossan with the ruins if Ardrosssan
Castle in the background taken by
Michael J. Timmons with his drone.
Below is St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock; also a
drone picture from Michael Timmons.
Below is a dizzying photo of the steeple of St
Andrew’s, Dumfries, taken, not from a drone,
but a cherry picker. (inset)
6
Safeguarding In The Wayside Club visits
Galloway Diocese Stevenson
A Message from the Safeguarding team Canon Martin Poland recalls a pre-Christmas festive
‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who evening with the Wayside Club
trespass against us’’
T
he Safeguarding team want to invite you to join in an
open conversation on Safeguarding in our diocese. In
the Galloway Diocese News through this year there
will be an article informed by your thoughts and experiences
as members of our parish communities.
In this our first article, the focus must be on survivors of
abuse within the Catholic Church. We need to remember and
acknowledge that the trust of so many vulnerable members of
Catholic communities was betrayed; that they were subjected
to criminal and violent assaults and that sadly, many of those
with responsibility for assuring their safety and protection
failed in this key duty.
The
We cannot change what has happened but we must ask the Wayside Club in Glasgow cares for the
question, how do we ensure that we don’t forget? We must homeless and people suffering from hardship
also put in place measures to prevent a repeat of this history. or addiction. Every year for over 20 years, a group from
As members of our Catholic communities we all have a the Club has visited St John’s parish community,
shared responsibility in this commitment.
Stevenston, for Christmas lunch and a fun day of
As Pope Francis said in his address to survivors in entertainment which this time was on Sunday 24th
Philadelphia in September 2015 ‘I pray that many people of November. Canon Martin Poland welcomed them on
the Church will respond to the call to accompany those who behalf of the parish. As well as helpers from St John’s,
have suffered abuse. May the door of mercy be opened wide there were also a good number from St Mary’s Saltcoats,
in our dioceses, our parishes, our homes and our hearts, to
mainly from the Tuesday Lunch Club. It was particularly
receive those who were abused… We promise to support your
gratifying that a group of Caritas students from St
continued healing and to always be vigilant to protect the
Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats had given up their
children of today and tomorrow’.
Sunday to serve the poor.
In our own diocese, change has been demonstrated by an
external audit, which has shown that not only is there Christmas lunch was a full three course meal with the
commitment to challenging complacency, but also that Caritas students playing a big part in the serving. A great
incorporating ownership of Safeguarding is core to the many guests and students joined in the karaoke and
theology, spirituality and culture of our Catholic mission. dancing and bingo session, although no budding Adele’s
That ownership is still not as core to the priorities of our were discovered! After so much excitement and exercise,
parish communities as we need it to be, but there are lots of it was time for a rest, afternoon tea and a good chat.
people across the four deaneries who are, and will be, actively Each guest received a raffle ticket for the prize draw
committed to the continuing development and delivery of and a bag of clothes, toiletries and other goodies. All too
safeguarding practice. soon it was time for them to go; It was obvious that our
We must remember that many survivors and those guests had enjoyed a great day out and were very grateful
affected by the impact of abuse are no longer members of the for the gifts they had received. However on reflection, it
Church and certainly do not believe that there is evidence of was clear that over the course of the day, they had given
change that would allow them to trust and believe that the us so much more.
Catholic Church is committed to the necessary changes in
Safeguarding culture and practice.
We need to understand that there are members of our
communities whose lives and faith were shattered and who to reach out to them, their families and those who support
continue to feel betrayed and unable to trust because of the them to help them in their healing and to ask for their
abuse suffered within the Catholic Church. We recognise that forgiveness.
we face a major challenge in enabling survivors, and all If you wish to be part of the conversation, or think you
people who have been affected by abuse within our Church, can help, or if you have any suggestions or experiences you
to accept that enough change has taken place that they feel wish to share, email safeguarding@gallowaydiocese.org.uk or
able to begin to accept the hand that is offered to support phone the diocesan office 01292 266750 and leave a message
them on their journey of healing. We need help to find ways for the Safeguarding team: we will get back to you.
7
Mission in Action
Beatrice Gardner of St Teresa’s parish describes the
outcomes of the parish’s Mission Project in Ethiopia,
and added a P.S. after their recent visit.
St
Teresa’s parish, Dumfries, has had an association
with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady
(FMOL) in Ethiopia since the drought of 1985 that
the TV brought in to our homes. The nursing home at
Langholm, in our Deanery, was run by the FMOL and we had
a visit from the late Sister Colette who became a great friend
of ours, so at that time we decided to send the money raised
in the parish direct to the sisters (and by-passed Bob Geldof
and Midge Ure, who were doing a great job overall). We managed to visit nine of the 11 FMOL communities in
Our Mission began mostly as medical but nowadays Ethiopia, Nazret, Retirement Community, Addis, Buccama,
education has become a bigger part of it. We call this TEACh, Metcha, Methara, Konto, Debre Zeyt, Woliso. At each one we
(Teaching and Education a Child.) As Father Jim’s area of were received so well and welcomed as friends. Fr Jim was
care increased, the Parishioners of Holy Trinity Lockerbie and able to say Mass for them at most places and con-celebrated
St Luke’s Moffat joined in supporting the Project too, along both in English and Ethiopian.
with friends and family from other parishes and none. It wasn’t all work of course. The sisters were very keen
The third parish trip to visit our Mission Project in that we should relax too. They arranged for us to visit a
Ethiopia seemed a long time coming round. The first was National Park and a Crocodile Ranch. Our final weekend was
undertaken by nine parishioners in 2012 and the second by at a Retreat Centre in one of the prettiest places on earth,
three in 2013. Three people travelling was so much better for Debreyzhet.
ease of getting around within Ethiopia and things were much It is so good for us to have this Mission Project. £240 per
less complicated. year is all it costs to educate, feed and clothe a child in the
Chelsea Lawson, aged 19, Father Jim and Beatrice TEACh Programme. It keeps us in touch with our poorest
Gardner decided to go this time and visit the projects we friends and reminds us how fortunate we are to be born here.
support and to meet our friends and acquaintances. It being It also brings us together as a parish and gives us so much
Chelsea’s first time, she was very surprised to see such more than we give them.
poverty but coped very well. The people we support are the
P.S.
very poorest; they live in such squalor in what is actually a
very beautiful and lush country. It is vast too, and mostly We have recently received some great news
extremely rural, with very poor infrastructure which makes from Buccama, where we had been invited in to a lady’s
travel difficult. The towns are growing faster than houses are ramshackle home. She had no furniture and her house leaked
being built and many youngsters flood to the cities hoping for like a sieve. We decided that we could and would build her a
work to send money home. new house which has been undertaken by local people and
The most valuable visits for all of us were to the homes of recently completed. She is so very grateful and, as you can
our beneficiaries from TEACh. We saw how they ‘hide’ their see, very happy with her new dry house.
precious shoes and school books from thieves. They virtually
have no furniture, and a dirt floor both in the towns and
countryside. However poor they are it seems to be a must that
coffee is offered and taken on entering their homes. I got the
impression more than once that the cups had been borrowed
from a neighbour. Often the neighbour came too and acted as
hostess. They are most gracious and thankful for a visit.
To see the Methara Sisters in action was another very
valuable lesson. When a patient arrived late at night in the
final stages of labour, in a Bajaj (moped-taxi vehicle) they just
dropped everything and ran to her assistance. The baby girl
was born there and then in the vehicle. We visited the young
mother, baby and granny in the clinic the next morning and
were able to give her a few gifts. The child’s name is
Bethlehem and she is just perfectly beautiful, but small.
8
Spotlight Queen Margaret Academy
on Queen Margaret Academy’s new building opened its doors in October
2019. In advance of its official opening head teacher Oonagh Browne looks
Education forward to another chapter in the life of the school.
Q ueen Margaret Academy’s new building opened its doors in October 2019.
The £25 million School is South Ayrshire’s only Catholic Secondary
school. The 601 young people who attend the school have settled in
well to the new state-of the-art facilities. The school features a mechanics
workshop, two all-weather pitches, modern classrooms, interactive
learning spaces and a fitness suite. Our new school is much more suited
to our needs and the warm welcoming atmosphere that Queen Margaret
Academy is known for has transferred and filled the new building.
The oratory is a central feature of the new building and the stained
glass was designed by pupils. The oratory is at the heart of the school
and the stained glass cross can be seen throughout the building.
Moving school signifies another chapter in the school’s 164 year history.
Queen Margaret Academy is more than the building that houses us. It is a
community of faith that we enjoy every day. These fantastic new facilities will
enhance the strong sense of pride and belonging that staff and pupils, past and
present, contribute to and enjoy.
9
Spotlight South Ayrshire Primary Schools
on News from St John’s, Ayr, St Patrick’s, Troon, Sacred Heart, Girvan,
and St Ninian’s, Prestwick.
Education
The pupils of Sacred Heart Primary have been preparing for the Sacraments
Our Charter for Catholic Schools permeates
everything that we do here at Sacred
Heart Primary and we are extremely proud of all of
our pupils regardless of their religious or spiritual
background. All pupils are guided in faith on a daily
basis but none more so than our pupils receiving the
Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and
Communion this session.
In February, children in Primary 3 and 4 were
invited to take some very important steps along their
journey in faith. Pupils in Primary 3 received their
Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our children took time
to examine their conscience in all areas of their
lives; their thoughts and words, what they have done
and what they have failed to do (to paraphrase the
Confiteor). A lovely service celebrating the
importance of recognising our wrong-doings and
asking for forgiveness was had in school, officiated
by Canon McGee and attended by parents, carers and friends.
Pupils in Primary 4 have been preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, also taking place in February, confirming
the promises made on their behalf at Baptism. Our candidates are being well supported by their parents and families, school
staff as well as our parish community in their understanding of how to live their lives as a follower of Christ. Pupils are looking
forward to becoming full members of the Church and their parish community and we ask that you continue to keep our
Sacramental children in your prayers.
St John’s Primary values partnership with parents, pupils and the wider community
We recognise the importance of developing as a community of faith and
learning where all staff and pupils display a commitment to supporting
and promoting the aims, values and ethos of the school. We have consulted with
parents/carers, pupils and the wider community to ensure our Values collectively
reflect an inclusive ethos and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
We have demonstrated our commitment through our support of the local
charity ‘Crossroads’. This organisation provides time off for people in South
Ayrshire who care for a relative or friend at home. We have been raising
awareness of the fabulous work of this service at our assemblies to all the pupils
in the school and their families. We have raised money for them through charity
boxes in every class, selling juice and biscuits at break time and running Bingo
for upper pupils. We thoroughly enjoyed showing off our wonderful singing
talents at a Saturday Christmas coffee morning the charity organised. We also
invited some pupils from our cluster primaries along to our showcase to share
how we put into practice the seven themes of Catholic social teaching.
We have enjoyed a full week of ‘Find Your Brave’ activities for Children’s
Mental Health Week 2020 looking at different ways that we show bravery every
day. Well done to the boys and girls who planned and ran all the activities. The
children also wrote little prayers that others could use to pray to God whenever
they needed help to ‘be brave’. “Lord, Please give me courage to be brave. I know I can talk to you if I am upset.”
10St Patrick’s Primary have been raising awareness of Friends of the Holy Land
St Patrick's Primary have been working with our Cluster
schools to raise awareness of the charity Friends of the Holy
Land. Father David Borland led a very thought provoking workshop
for our pupils looking at the work of the charity. Our pupils then
reported back to the school and linked the Rights of the Child to the
work of Friends of the Holy Land. The pupils then created an
information board to raise awareness of the charity. The board was
displayed in the Cathedral at our annual Cluster Carol Service for all
our parents and family to see. We have continued to link the work of
the charity with our RE lessons and P5 have been exploring
significant places in the Holy Land linked to the life of Jesus. This
has been a great learning experience for all our pupils. Particular
thanks to Father David Borland for sharing his wealth of knowledge
and passion for such a worthwhile charity.
St Ninian’s pupils are living their faith and making a difference
St Ninian’s pupils had a fabulous sports day, organised by a group of
students from the University of the West of Scotland. It truly was a
community event, with support from Sports Leaders from Queen Margaret
Academy. Pupils enjoyed every minute of it and participated in a range of
inclusive sports. The children worked together to earn tins for South Ayrshire
Foodbank. This was an excellent opportunity for the children to make a
positive difference in their community. Through working together, we raised
£120 and gave 200 tins to the foodbank. This is only one of our projects,
where we pray for those in need and act to make a positive difference. Our
other projects include; Big Breakfast; school uniform bank; book swap and
singing and reading to Berelands nursing home. By living our faith we are
making a difference!
Sacrament of Confirmation
As this edition of the Galloway Diocese News is being prepared Bishop Nolan is conferring the
Sacrament of Confirmation to our children in Churches throughout the diocese.
Photographs of the children will appear in the Pentecost edition.
Your Galloway Diocese News
God’s Joy we would like to hear from you
Joy. At the Galloway News we want to hear from you,
God’s joy. the priests and parishioners of Galloway. Is there an
Joy is love event taking place in your parish or school? Would
you like to share it with others via the Galloway
that we can share. Diocese News? You can send your items to the
Family and friends we trust. editor at any time or look out for the ‘email hotline’
We all might lose our trust and ‘reply’ to the reminder email: we will do the
work for you. Don’t forget your photographs for
but we can all trust in God. ‘Galloway Glimpses.’
No matter what we do he brings us joy.
God will forgive and always keeps us safe. Send your contributions before 24th April 2020 for
inclusion in the Pentecost edition to:
He will ask his angels to protect us with love. The Editor The Galloway Diocese News,
Candida Casa,
By Amy Muir 8 Corsehill Road, Ayr, KA7 2ST.
St Joseph’s Academy Email: gdn@gallowaydiocese.org.uk
RC Diocese of Galloway, charity number SC010576
11Cardinal Winning Lecture 2019
Catholic Schools Good for Scotland
Amélie Davidson reports on the latest lecture
held in Glasgow
O
n November 16th 2019, also the Feast of Saint
Margaret, over three hundred people from across the
dioceses of Scotland gathered in the Bute Hall of the
University of Glasgow for the annual Cardinal Winning
Lecture.
The first Cardinal Winning Lecture, previously known as
the Catholic Education Week Lecture, was delivered in 1993.
In 2018, the lecture was given by First Minister Nicola
Sturgeon to mark the centenary of the 1918 Education
(Scotland) Act which saw Catholic schools change from
diocesan control to state governance. This time, the lecture of Hodelm or Hoddam, which is just outside Lockerbie. It was
was delivered by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, (pictured) the a monastic foundation established by St Mungo and is to be
Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States for the Holy See. found in the modern Diocese of Galloway, so I renew my
promise to Bishop William Nolan not to cause him any
Mass before the lecture was concelebrated by
trouble. So, I have a cherished connection with Scotland.”
Archbishop Tartaglia in the beautiful Memorial Chapel. In
attendance were the Principal The lecture effectively highlighted how Catholic schools
and Vice Chancellor of the are an integral and highly successful part of public education
University, Sir Anton and that Catholic Schools are good for Scotland.
Muscatelli; Deputy First
Minister, John Swinney;
Director of the St Andrew’s
Foundation for Catholic Teacher Clergy and their
Education, Dr Roisín Coll; and
Director of the Scottish Catholic cameras
Education Service, Barbara Thanks to Deacon Bob Simpson for this
Coupar. stunning photograph.
During the thought-provoking This mosaic of Jesus Pantocrator, is in the Byzantine
morning, Archbishop Gallagher style, and dates to the late 13th or early 14th centuries. It
can be seen in the Cathedral, near Palermo in Sicily.
focused on the context of Global Catholic Education and the
positive contribution of Catholic Education both to the Church
and the nation, stating: “There is a sincere desire in the
Church that our schools and colleges should be as good as is
humanly possible… Education has no fixed destination but is
rather a point of departure. We should never stop trying to
learn and understand others.”
He continued, “...I am no less than the Titular Archbishop
Dates for your diary
Sunday 29th March: Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sung Evening Prayer of the Church
with Adoration and Benediction
St Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr, at 6.00 pm
Tuesday 7th April
Mass of Chrism
St Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr, at 7.30 pm
Thursday 21st May: The Ascension of Our Lord
Holyday of Obligation
12A View from Westminster
Dr Philippa Whitford, MP, recalls a difficult few months
but looks forward during Lent to making some time each day for prayer.
I
t has been a difficult six months for me since I last wrote noise. Westminster will still be busy in the coming months as
for this newsletter. From breaking my ankle and being there is a lot of Brexit-related legislation but, as Lent gets
immobilised, the rigours of a winter election (on underway, I hope to find some quiet space in my life to focus
crutches!) and then finally the arrival of 31st January when the better on the preparation for Easter than I managed last year.
Britain left the EU. It may seem difficult to give up alcohol or sweet things for
It was indeed, a very sad day for me which began with an six weeks, and often that is what we think of when we talk of
early morning interview for a radio station in Berlin. In Lent, but doing something extra, such as going to Mass during
response, I received a kind email from a school teacher in the week, is a greater challenge in our time-poor society.
Berlin whose class had been listening to Brexit-day coverage Harder still is to actually find the genuine time to spend in
and wished to express their solidarity with Scots saying “You thought and prayer with God as even going to extra Masses
are Europe and you will remain it...You belong to Europe!” can easily become a tick-box exercise of just counting how
Many of us wrote ‘Dear EU’ letters and mine was much extra we have ‘done’ for Lent.
addressed to other EU families like my own, in the UK and on
the continent, that have come about due to Freedom of
Movement: probably the
W ith so many things competing for our time and
attention, 24 hours a day, perhaps time is indeed
the greatest thing we could
biggest advantage we offer up during these six
gained as individuals from weeks and if we can
our membership of the EU. genuinely set aside some
I met my German time each day for prayer, we
husband during his will be much better
exchange year at Glasgow prepared, mentally and
Medical School and, spiritually, for Easter than
because of Freedom of just cutting a few calorific
Movement, he was able to treats. Despite its
come, settle and work here different prominence in
without difficulty: including society, and among media
20 years as a GP looking advertisers, Easter is the
The beautiful St Mary’s Undercroft high point of our Church
after people in Ayr. Now,
after 34 years, he has to year rather than Christmas.
apply for permission to remain in his own home in Scotland! A moving Triduum, from the sorrow of Holy Thursday and
European citizens are among our friends, neighbours, Friday to the uplifting victory of the Easter Vigil, requires us
colleagues and loved ones and it is vital that we make them to put in the spiritual groundwork in the preceding six weeks.
feel welcome. Sadly, our young people are losing the We often talk about finding the time but, if it is important to
opportunities we enjoyed; previously afforded by their us, we must MAKE the time.
automatic right to study or live in any one of 31 countries. Regardless of what we do, whether as a busy professional
There was also no recognition of the EU’s important role or a hectic parent, the time will not just drop into our laps so
in securing more than seven decades of peace in a continent perhaps we need to look at the small lacunae in our days
which endured two devastating world wars. Its forerunner was where we could prioritise prayer. We could take our
formed in the mid-1950s, as Europe recovered from the headphones out and listen to the birds as we walk to work or,
ravages of World War II, and the EU helped offer a route to instead of reading the paper on the train or bus, we could zone
democracy for the new states which emerged after the Balkan out of the bustle for a little while. I know that, like everyone
war and provided stability to the countries of Eastern Europe else, I will find this a huge challenge but am sure that, if I can
after the fall of the Soviet Union. Closer to home, Europe’s make the space to really pray, it will mean more to me and
role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland was totally have more impact than six weeks without cake! I wish
overlooked, as indeed were the problems Brexit would pose everyone a peaceful and spiritual Lent and, when it comes, a
for Northern Ireland. truly Happy Easter.
O ver this tumultuous year it has been hard to get away
from the politics for time with family or for myself.
It has been difficult even to get to the Wednesday Mass in St
Doctor Philippa Whitford is a parishioner of Our Lady of the
Assumption and St Meddan in Troon. She is the MP for
Central Ayrshire and SNP Health Spokesperson at
Mary’s Undercroft, the ancient chapel under Westminster Westminster. In these articles she hopes to convey how her
which provides a peaceful half hour for MPs to step back from faith informs and impacts her politics. The views expressed
in these articles are those of the author.
the cut and thrust of politics and find some calm among all the
13The Teaching of Pope Francis
by Father William McFadden
Pope Francis has made mission and evangelization recurring themes in his teaching and preaching. He has
also put these at the centre of his proposed reforms for the Roman Curia, the administrative centre of the
Church’s organisational structure.
U
sing his Council of Cardinal advisors, the pope has over the past few years sought to streamline the bureaucracy and to
make the various offices and secretariats more pastorally sensitive, collaborative and mission focussed. In a dramatic
move he has now appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines as prefect of the Congregation for the
Evangelisation of Peoples. With this decision, Francis has given one of his closest Cardinal allies the principal role of ensuring
that evangelization and mission remain at the heart of the Church.
T he Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples is be infected by the defeatism
the Vatican office that has traditionally dealt with according to which everything
most of the dioceses in Africa, Asia and Oceania. Under goes wrong,” but instead “let us
Francis’ proposed reforms, soon to be published in his invoke its author every day, the
Apostolic Constitution “Praedicate Evangelium” (Preach the Holy Spirit, who makes life a
Gospel), the Congregation will now have two sections: one for love story with God.”
the missions and one for re-evangelising the old Christian
world. As prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Tagle will
therefore help shape the church not only in the developing
A similar plea for a
missionary
transformative outlook was
and
territories but also have the opportunity to influence the wider made when Pope Francis met
Catholic world of the more traditionally Christian countries. with the cardinals and officials of the Vatican offices during
Pope Francis has signalled that it will be this Congregation their traditional pre-Christmas meeting. Using strong words,
that will be the most significant of the reformed Vatican the pope stated: “Rigidity, which is born of the fear of
Congregations, and so be placed at the head of the Vatican’s change, ends up erecting fences and obstacles on the terrain of
organizational chart. Evangelisation and mission will the common good, turning it into a minefield of
therefore remain the core of the Church’s purpose and incomprehension and of hatred ... and today this temptation of
message. rigidity has become very evident.”
The pope has already outlined his vision for the Church as Pope Francis quoted Saint John Henry Newman: “To live
missionary and evangelical in his Apostolic Exhortation is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often” as he
“Evangelii Gaudium,” and in a recent talk given to those encouraged those present to be committed to growth and
taking part in the International Meeting “Evangelii Gaudium: development as they respond to God in their lives.
Reception and Perspectives. The “Church which goes forth”,” “Conversion” and “transformation” must take place within the
he repeated this message. Stating once again that “we need a Curia as well as in the wider Church, as it is the role of the
free and simple Church, which does not think of looking good, Curia to be at “the service of the Church” in its efforts to share
of convenience and of entrances”, but is instead “outward the Gospel.
looking,” he encouraged his listeners that those who He also quoted the 19th-century composer Gustav Mahler,
evangelize “can never forget that they are always on the road, who said, “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the
searching with others.” He continued that we must not be preservation of fire,” as he encouraged the Vatican officials to
held back by “our fear of making mistakes and our fear of serve the “weakest and most marginalised, in particularly
following new forced migrants, who represent at this time a cry in the desert
paths,” nor should of our humanity,” and are “the symbol of all those thrown
we be saddened by away by our globalized society.”
W
things that are not ith these two addresses, and with the appointment
going well, or by of Cardinal Tagle and the raising of the profile of
misunderstandings, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Pope
as these are small Francis has continued to show that the Church today must be
things in the face of missionary and dynamic. It is not about preserving the past, no
“the sublimity of matter how good that past may seem, but is about serving the
the knowledge of needs of the people of today. That is the task of all her
Christ Jesus our members, whether they be cardinals, Curia officials, or us the
Lord.” He laity and clergy seeking to work for the upbuilding of God’s
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the new
concluded by Kingdom here in the Diocese of Galloway.
prefect of the Congregation for the saying: “Let us not
Evangelization of Peoples. allow ourselves to
14Station Masses
Michael Kearns, our seminarian, tells of the revival of an ancient tradition in Rome
and why it persuades him to set his alarm even earlier than usual!
It
is a Tuesday morning, it is 4.45 and my alarm is other Catholics might.
sounding. An even earlier start than normal. In And so the tradition was re-born. To allow the seminarians
what is a rare occurrence, the snooze button is not to attend university as normal, the Masses would now be at
deployed. By the time I have showered, dressed and sorted my dawn, not dusk. They’d be in English, for convenience, and
backpack for the day – and consumed what could be described they’d each be held at a different, historic church for every
as a very quick coffee – I am out the door of the Scots College day in Lent, corresponding to the old tradition. And everyone
and heading to the bus stop. It is freezing cold and still would be invited.
completely pitch black. A few of the other seminarians are
And so, I go. Free once per week to forego our usual
already there when I arrive. One or two more appear moments
morning prayer and Mass participation in our own College,
behind me. None of us are going to Morning Prayer in the
should we wish, we have the opportunity to go instead to the
College today, which won’t begin for another hour at least.
station Mass, to visit and acquaint ourselves with a variety of
So what’s going on? churches in the city, many of which are not all that well-
We are making the journey (which, given Rome’s known, and we may never have visited otherwise. We also
idiosyncratic public transport network, will likely take well have an additional day where the entire Scots College
over an hour) to today’s ‘station Mass’, taking part together community attends the station Mass together.
with hundreds of priests, seminarians, religious Sisters and lay To me, the station Masses are more than just the
Catholics, in both an ancient and very modern Lenten opportunity to visit a new place. There are always several
tradition. hundred people in attendance, (I don’t think I’ve ever had a
The origins of this practice date back to the first few seat) from all walks of life and from so many countries, and
centuries of Christianity. The Bishop of Rome would make a yet despite the business there is a calm. Despite the
point, much as many Diocesan bishops do today, of visiting excitement there is a reverence. It’s a beautiful, different way
the various churches throughout his city and celebrating Mass to start a normal, run of the mill day. It marks Lent out as
there. Over time, the process developed a structure, with different and puts us in touch with the rich history of the
individual churches being tied to specific dates to host the Church in this city, as well as the universal nature of it today.
Pope’s Mass. The organisational high point would be the The fact that so many of the congregants are young
season of Lent. Back then, Christians would observe a fast for seminarians, from all over the world, is a little encouraging for
the entire daytime every day, and following the evening Mass me too. The station Masses are truly one of my favourite
at that day’s ‘statio’ church, they would eat together as a things about being here. After all, why else would I
community. Dinner with the Pope was quite the selling point, voluntarily set my alarm even earlier?!
L
and the Masses became more and more popular. ent is, of course, for all of us a pilgrimage, or journey.
Sadly, over time, the practice waned and the tradition fell I get to physically express this by travelling one
dormant for centuries. Popes had become global morning per week to the station Mass, but spiritually we all
administrators for the entire Church (as well as political have the opportunity to journey closer to Jesus at this time of
figures) and hadn’t the time to visit local city churches every year, reflecting on his sacrifice at Calvary and what it means
day for six weeks. Eventually, by the time of the Avignon for us in our own lives. Yes, we normally express this by
chaos, there wasn’t even a Pope in Rome at all. ‘giving something up’. But maybe instead of, or as well as,
However, in 1975 – not for foregoing chocolate or fizzy
the first time in the 20th century juice, we could ‘take
– Americans arriving on something up’. A good
European shores saved the day. suggestion might be to go to
Some history-keen seminarians one extra Mass per week, if
of Rome’s Pontifical North you can. Maybe an evening
American College had a bright Mass for those who work. This
idea: they could find the old could be at your own parish, or
Lenten station schedule and maybe you could even journey
organise their own Mass at each to other churches in the
church for each of the days. The diocese. Maybe we could make
bishop of Rome may not be our very own ‘station Masses’
able to make it, but plenty of here in Galloway.
15Praying with Children
By Father Martin Chambers
“Dear God, “Dear God,
Please put another holiday in between Did you mean for the giraffe
Christmas and Easter. to look like that
There is nothing good in there now.” or was it an accident?”
T
hese quotes from a children’s prayer book remind us like a little child will never enter it.’
that, when you are working with children, you have Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them
got to be prepared for the unusual and the unique. and gave them his blessing.”
Certainly that has been the case with me as I have prayed with Whilst the disciples desired to remove children from Jesus’
children both in schools and in Churches. Expect the mission and teaching, Jesus himself wanted to embrace their
unexpected! Yet over my thirty years as a priest I have simplicity and their innocence. Jesus desired that the children
thoroughly enjoyed being able to celebrate Mass and lead should come into his presence and become a moment of
prayers with children in many different places: from packed inspiration for all people. In this simple action, Jesus teaches
Cathedrals and Basilicas to humble shanty chapels where us all that our prayer doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be
people and priests are crushed together. In this article, simple. Indeed Jesus teaches us that children themselves can
therefore, I would like to share with you some thoughts about lead us to God.
T
praying with children and how they can enhance our liturgies here are many examples of moments when we
and our own individual prayer life. Whether it is praying with ourselves can gather with children in prayer. Some of
children in Lourdes while on the HCPT pilgrimage or in the most moving liturgies of my priesthood have been with the
school during class Masses and or when the priest receives disabled children in Lourdes who have acted out the Gospel,
children back into Sunday Mass after having taken part in the who have led prayers at the Grotto or who have said a simple
Children’s Liturgy, my own experience tells me that children “God bless Mummy, God bless Daddy” at the end of the day. I
can inspire us adults to grow closer to God and can help cannot count the amount of tears that have been shed by
everyone fulfil the classic meaning of prayer “raising our Lourdes helpers as they share a prayer with the children on
minds and hearts to God.” pilgrimage. It is the same for our parish volunteers who lead
My inspirational starting point for looking at how to pray the Children’s Liturgy at a Sunday Mass; ask them why they
with children has to be looking at the way Jesus himself continue to volunteer after many years as a leader and they tell
interacted with children in the Gospels. Of course, he would you that the children are the inspiration to lead them in their
have been constantly surrounded by children, whether prayers. As well as that, our school teachers always make sure
performing miracles or teaching the crowds that followed him; that each classroom has a small
He would have interacted with children all the time while on prayer corner where the
his Missionary journey. And one of the mysteries of the children gather each day and
Rosary reminds us that Jesus himself as a child went to the where they turn when they need
Temple and was involved in lengthy discussions with the God’s help each day. Yet, of
religious leaders of the time. Yet the passage of Scripture that course, I do think that the
comes most quickly to mind when thinking about Jesus with classic example of people who
children is the passage that is most often used during Infant spend time in prayer with
Baptism: children has to be our parents
“People were bringing little children to him, who, at the end of each day,
for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them, encourage children to turn to
but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, God in prayer to say thanks for
‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; the day ended or asking God’s
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. help for the day ahead.
In truth, I tell you, So what can we learn from being with children in prayer?
anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God Apart from simply being welcoming to them, why would Jesus
draw our attention towards children? I feel that Jesus is
inviting us to be simple and innocent, as it were, in our own
prayer. Our prayer shouldn’t be too complicated. If anyone
asks me “can you teach me to pray?” I would encourage them
to speak to Jesus as you would to a friend. Tell Jesus in a
relaxed way about the hopes, joys and dreams of your life and
those of your family. Speak to Jesus about the day’s fears,
anxieties and stresses. Perhaps remember those key moments
of your life when, as a child, you were close to Jesus in prayer:
16Adult Faith Formation in the Diocese
“Rejoice and be Glad”
For more information contact Father William McFadden
on william.mcfadden@gallowaydiocese.org.uk.
D uring 2019 the small group faith sharing initiative promoted by the
diocese was Pope Francis’ “Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the
Gospel” using the Group Reading Guide produced by Bill Huebsch. Over 200
participants from a variety of parishes were involved in this project which
allowed the pope’s document to be reflected upon in a friendly and informal
manner.
Building on this project the diocese is once again offering small group
faith sharing material for 2020. The document to be considered this time is
Pope Francis’ “Gaudete et Exsultate – Rejoice and be Glad.” This Apostolic
Exhortation is a call to all people to commit themselves to holiness, and to
encounter holiness in their daily lives and in the lives of others.
Using Huebsch’s guide which presents the document in accessible
paraphrased summaries, individuals are invited to see how Pope Francis’
words apply to their situation, and how they might better live out the call to
holiness. “Gaudete et Exsultate” complements the teaching found in
“Evangelii Gaudium,” and parish groups are once again encouraged to use the
Huebsch booklet with its summaries and reflection questions to inspire
sharing.
Praying, continued
the day of your Baptism (where was it?, who was there?); the
day of your First Communion and Confirmation; the days
when, as an adult, you made that extra pledge to be a faithful
disciple. In other words, imagine you are sitting opposite
Jesus and talk to Him as you would a friend. Finally ask
Jesus for light, praying that any darkness you feel will be
dispelled by that hope which Jesus brought to the children in
the Gospel. Remember the words of the recent Gospel from
This poem is a response to the recent
Midnight Mass are fulfilled in Jesus present among us: Sunday of the Word of God.
It was written by Mair W E Christie, a parishioner of
“The people that walked in darkness Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Beith.
has seen a great light;
on those who lived in
a land of deep Lord,
shadow Your word has come to us,
a light has shone. Vibrant and living,
For there is a child And we
born for us, Have set it down on paper,
a son given to us Kept it in covers,
and dominion is laid Locked it in words,
on his shoulders; Translated and interpreted it.
and this is the name
they give him: We take it out and read it,
Wonder-Counsellor, May hear it read on Sundays.
Mighty-God, But this is not enough.
Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.”
Rather, it should be
A seed sown,
P.S. When thinking about praying with children, I cannot A flame lit in our hearts,
forget the response that one of our parish children gave me Growing,
when he came back into Sunday Mass. In response to my Filling them,
general question “What did you learn today in the Breaking them open,
Children’s Liturgy?”, he shouted out “Jesus drives a Causing them to overflow
Suzuki!” With your love.
17Diocesan Holy Land Pilgrimage 2020
12th - 19th October 2020
O A
nce again it is time to start planning our Diocesan s we leave Jericho and head north along the Jordan
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – it hardly seems Valley we will visit the traditional site where Jesus
like two years since so many of us were blessed was baptized in the River Jordan by John. At the river we will
to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and visit our all have the opportunity to renew our own Baptismal Promises
Christian brothers and sisters who live there. and reflect upon our own personal commitment to Christ.
This year we will fly direct from Manchester to Tel Aviv, Our hotel in Tiberias sits above the Sea of Galilee and this
Israel, and transfer to the West Bank to stay in the City of will be our base for three nights. From here we will visit all
Bethlehem for four nights. While there we will visit the holy the holy sites on the shores of the Lake – Capernaum, Tabgha,
sites of Bethlehem, including the Nativity Grotto and the Peter’s Primacy and the Mount of Beatitudes – and we will
Shepherds’ Fields, and also visit St Martha’s House, a day- sail on the Lake itself. From Tiberias we will also visit the city
centre for Christian Widows, supported by the UK charity of Nazareth to go to the Basilica of the Annunciation and the
‘Friends of the Holy Land’. On our last pilgrimage we were village of Cana where the married couples with us will have
honoured to celebrate our first Mass, and have lunch, with the the opportunity to renew their wedding vows – this part is
ladies at St Martha’s and we hope to do so again this time. completely optional!
The last day of our 2020 Diocesan Pilgrimage begins with
what for many in past years has been the highlight of the
whole trip – the ascent of Mount Tabor and our final Mass,
While staying in Bethlehem we will also visit the holy
sites in Jerusalem including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
the Garden of Gethsemane and walk the Via Dolorosa to name
only a few. Our two days in the city of Jerusalem are always
both spiritually uplifting and physically exhausting, but are an
essential and moving part of any pilgrimage to the Holy Land. there is no better place than Mount Tabor to give thanks to
After three hectic days in Bethlehem and Jerusalem the God for the blessings we have received and to renew our
pace of our pilgrimage slows down – just a little! We leave commitment to try to live out our faith more fully at home.
Bethlehem and drive through the Judean desert to Jericho, Transfer to and from Manchester Airport from the Diocese
catching a glimpse of the Dead Sea as we drive. The city of will be arranged at a later date by Father David Borland, the
Jericho sits 250m below sea level, the lowest, and oldest, Director of the Pilgrimage. In the meantime booking forms
inhabited city on earth, and there we will view the Mount of and a poster with more information has been sent to every
Temptation and visit the site of Zacchaeus’ encounter with parish in Galloway Diocese (and is on the back page) and Joe
Jesus – there’s even a sycamore tree! Walsh Tours are now accepting bookings.
For further information, or if you simply need anything
clarified, contact Father David in the following ways:
Email: david.borland@gallowaydiocese.org.uk
Facebook Messenger: RCAyr page
Telephone: 01292 263488
Post: St Margaret’s Cathedral
27 John Street, Ayr, KA8 0BS
Hoping and praying that many of you have the chance to
experience the joy of this Pilgrimage.
18You can also read
