Edinburgh: Archbishop celebrates first Catholic Mass in Scottish Parliament

Archbishop Leo Cushley

Source: SCO/Michael Glackin

History was made on Wednesday when Archbishop Leo Cushley, the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, celebrated the first-ever Catholic Mass in the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh.

Among the MSPs who attended was the Deputy First Minister John Swinney, together with MSPs Roseanna Cunningham, Neil Findlay, Elaine Smith, Monica Lennon, Alex Rowley, Mark Griffin, Annie Wells, Donald Cameron, and Mike Rumbles.

Archbishop Cushley told the Scottish Catholic Observer: "It is a great privilege to be officially invited to offer Holy Mass within the Scottish Parliament, the first such invitation since the parliament's re-establishment 19 years ago. It is a generous gesture which seems to recognise that Catholics are valued participants in the civic life of contemporary Scotland, where we seek to work with others in advancing the common good."

Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office said the Parliament was a fitting place to hold the service, in Holy Week. He said: "The celebration of Holy Mass, the summit of Catholic life, is an opportunity to express prayers for the work of our elected representatives and for the common good of society. Of course, Holyrood means Holy Cross, so in that sense, parliament is a most fitting place for this historic celebration."

Last November, Archbishop Cushley, delivered the Time For Reflection in the Scottish Parliament, ahead of the feast of Scotland's Patron, Saint Andrew.