Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Joseph Toal, formerly Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, was installed on Monday as Motherwell Diocese’s fifth bishop in a joyous celebration at Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral in the presence of Bishop Emeritus Joseph Devine (above left), Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow (above centre), his mother, family, Scotland’s bishops, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Papal nuncio to the United Kingdom, and Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh. Bishop Toal, speaking on the vigil of the Solemnity of St John the Baptist, highlighted some of the challenges that Catholics face.

“The issues in regard to marriage and the unborn child are very much to the fore in modern society and, while we know others may have differing views, we would want to uphold our right to express our beliefs and to seek protection for the consciences of those who work in public services,” Bishop Toal told those present.

“We can see an affirmation of our faith about marriage as a life-long union of love and fidelity between a man and a woman, open to the possibility of receiving the blessing of children.

“Just as John the Baptist was marked out as being special in his mother’s womb, whose birth would bring great joy and happiness to many, so are all the unborn, who therefore merit the highest respect and care…”

Installation

Over 100 priests joined bishops from Scotland and Ireland and members of the religious orders to welcome Bishop Toal to Motherwell.

Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral was full beyond capacity on Monday night and the Mass was broadcast live to those gathered in the neighbouring St Bride’s parish hall.

When Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow began the installation ceremony, he said Bishop Toal has proved himself to be ‘a long and attentive shepherd of Argyll and the Isles,’ and ‘an active member of the bishops’ conference’ who was now very welcome in Motherwell.

The unity and sense of working together within and out with the Church that Motherwell Diocese is famed for was underlined by the strong interfaith, civic and political presence at the bishop’s installation Mass. Leaders form other Christian faiths were joined by North and South Lanarkshire dignitaries, representatives from the Police and Fire services and politicians including MSPs Michael McMahon and James Kelly.

“We need to be united in the Lord… working together to build up our communities and to reach out to others,” Bishop Toal said.

On his new role as Motherwell bishop, he added ‘there is a lot of licence given, and, at the same time, a lot of discernment necessary to know when to tear up and knock down and when to build and plant.’

Youth support

Young Catholics were visibly present on Monday, including many in school uniform, along with their parents and teachers.

“Over the year I have been Apostolic Administrator of Motherwell it has been good to have the presence of young people from the schools in the diocese at special Masses and celebrations in the cathedral and to have visited some of the schools for their own celebrations,” Bishop Toal said.

“This contact with the young people in the schools and elsewhere has to be an important part of the bishop’s ministry in this diocese and I will try follow Bishop Devine’s example in making it so.

Bishop Toal also acknowledged the presence of deacons and seminarians from Motherwell, and the religious life in the diocese.

Archbishop Mennini offered Bishop Toal the Holy Father’s and his own prayers of support.

“You are building on the solid foundation left by Bishop Devine after 30 years of faithful service,” Archbishop Mennini said. “But in many ways this is also a new beginning [for Motherwell and Scotland].

Joy

The bishop’s serious message of religious freedom did not prevent lighter moments during the celebrations. He came down off the altar to present his mother with a stunning bouquet of flowers and teased her that she might not be able to visit him so often in Motherwell cathedral.

He also admitted: “I am probably the first Bishop of Motherwell who has looked after sheep while I was parish priest in St Michael’s, Ardkenneth, South Uist!”

One of Bishop Toal’s first duties as Bishop of Motherwell was to ordain a new priest, Fr Martin Delaney, on Thursday evening in St Ignatius’, Wishaw.

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—Pic: Paul McSherry

– Read the full version of this story in June 27 edition of the SCO, with further photographs