An Inverness Solicitor, Bryan Longmore has been honoured with a Papal Knighthood from Pope Francis. The Investiture took place during the 11:00 Sunday Mass on 29th December at St. Mary’s Church, Huntly Street in Inverness with chief celebrant Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB.
Fr. James Bell said, “In recognition of a lifetime of devoted Catholic faith and Christian practice, and exemplary public service, Bryan Longmore is a most fitting recipient of a Papal Knighthood to the Order of St. Gregory the Great”.
At the end of the 11:00 Sunday Mass, Bryan Longmore thanked Bishop Hugh Gilbert, Fr. James Bell and the congregation of St. Mary’s Church, saying that ”This honour was one he would accept and share with the whole congregation of St. Mary’s”.
Describing St. Mary’s as his home, he explained that it was where he was married, where his two sons were baptised and where he and his family happily came to worship God. He went on to say, that it was also the place from where his wife’s funeral took place and was a place of great comfort to him in the weeks and months since her death.
He mentioned the growth he had witnessed of the Church in Inverness, it’s priests and deacons, and he welcomed its many International citizens who have brought vibrancy and new vigour and this offered all of us a bright and exciting future.
He received a huge ovation from a packed congregation before enjoying a reception in the church hall.
