Scottish Catholic Observer

The parish of St Mahew’s in Cardross came together for a special celebration of their continuing Christian Faith as the church marked 550 years of its 1467 reconsecration.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia joined parish priest Fr Dominic Doogan and Frs John Lyons and Eddie Kelly on Sunday May 28 for a celebratory Mass to mark the church’s long history. Also present was local Church of Scotland minister Rev Maggie McArthur.

The parish’s Church of Scotland neighbours helped the community celebrate by warmly inviting everyone to Cardross Parish Church hall afterwards, where refreshments were served, and presented the parish with a painting of St Mahew’s made by one of their parishioners.

The site of the church is believed to have been standing since the 6th century, with a number of reconsecrations having taken place over the centuries. The church was restored in 1955, and is one of only four medieval chapels that has been restored to their former use, alongside Greyfriars at Elgin, the Chapel Royal at Falkland, and the Priory at Pluscarden.

The celebrations were a chance for parishioners to come together and prayerfully reflect on the service that has been carried out from the parish for more than 500 years.

“It’s a very, very historical location,” Fr Doogan said. “At the same time it’s got an incredible atmosphere—everyone that comes along there notices the peace and tranquility of the place. They all comment on the tranquility of the church itself; it has a very special atmosphere.”