Scottish Catholic Observer

The order, which was founded in Paris in 1856, opened their retreat house in Langside, Glasgow in May 1914. The house would be a home of spiritual renewal for thousands of women and girls through war and upheaval.

To mark the order’s 100 years of dedicated service, a special Mass was principally celebrated by the Archbishop of Glasgow at St Andrew’s Cathedral in the city, who paid tribute to their work throughout the years.

“I was glad to be able to mark the 100 years of dedicated service by the Helpers of the Holy Souls to the people of Glasgow and beyond,” Archbishop Tartaglia said. “Over the years the sisters have had a major influence on many generations of Catholics, who remember fondly their retreat centre at Langside. The presence of visitors from outside Scotland and the huge congregation in the cathedral were a reminder of the enormous contribution made by the sisters.”

The homily was delivered by Fr Richard Sloan from Liverpool Archdiocese, himself a companion of the Helpers of the Holy Souls.

Sr Maureen McCollum of the order spoke to the SCO about the order’s remarkable history of helping and working alongside the people of Glasgow.

“In the post-Second World War period, the sisters were at the heart of the changes taking place,” Sr Maureen said. “They visited people in their homes, helped them adapt and organised retreats and helped find quiet spaces, where it was possible to reflect on what was happening to the world they had known before and during the war. This era was a ‘boom’ time at the convent and retreat centre.

“Besides the quiet, peaceful times, there were also the more lively occasions when children and teenagers took over.

“These decades saw the centenary of the foundation of their order in Paris, 1856 and the Beatification of their Founder, Blessed Mary of Providence in the following year. They publicised events such as retreats and conferences, organised them, prepared the premises and the meals. They looked on this as their mission, their ministry. In addition they prayed with and for those they met.

“Unfortunately, the convent and retreat and conference centre had to face the realities of financial burdens and an ageing community and finally left the site on September 30, 1979.

“The elderly sisters moved to premises on Great Western Road, before a purpose built house was opened for them in Wishaw. The more active sisters settled for a time in Pollokshields. Today the helpers continue their mission in Glasgow.”

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Pic: Paul McSherry

—Read the full version of this story in November 7 edition of the SCO in parishes from Friday.