Scottish Catholic Observer

The parish of St Margaret Mary’s, part of the Holy Cross Parish, marked its 80th anniversary on Sunday, October 27.

Archbishop Leo Cushley, pictured, joined parishioners to celebrate Mass for the church, which opened in 1939.

His sermon highlighted the key attributes of Faith, hope and charity.

Patron saint

The archbishop also spoke about the example of the church’s patron saint, the influence of the Irish community in the building of the church and the continued care and attention given to it by current parishioners.

After Mass the archbishop and Fr Ephraim Ezulike, who concelebrated, joined the community and gathered in the hall for refreshments. They spent time chatting to many of the parishioners, some of whom were able to recall the early days of the church.

St Margaret Mary’s Church was recently amalgamated into the parish of Holy Cross. Mgr Gerard Hand is due to become parish priest in the coming weeks.

Gratitude

Patrick, a parishioner of St Margaret Mary’s, said the anniversary was a successful day ‘because we could pray together as a whole community’.

“We are really grateful for the bishops to [have] come and celebrated with us.’

He added: “We have [had] an opportunity to show respect to our patron saint.”

Fr Ephraim said: “This was a wonderful occasion for parishioners to get together and mark a special anniversary.

There was a chance for them to venerate the relics of St Margaret Mary and the archbishop thanked them all for taking such good care of the parish over the last 80 years! Thanks to all involved for a memorable event.”