Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The idea of venerating someone’s bodily remains may not be appealing, even though there is good warrant for it in Scripture and Christian tradition. But the key is this: when we venerate relics, we venerate a person: someone who lived holiness in a bodily life and will rise embodied from the dead. So, it is Thérèse in person who comes to visit us. This can only be an occasion of grace. Continue reading
Dear Dominic, it seems no time ago you were being ordained deacon in this church. Now, here we are again. Another page to turn. Another moment in your biography. Not a small one, and full of a future. It has been a long, sometimes difficult journey for you. That has brought its own richness. Please God, what lies ahead will be simpler. Today commemorates St Bernard of Clairvaux, and also the prophet Samuel. He was called from his boyhood onwards: ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’ He became a bearer of God’s word for his people. He anointed Saul and then, to better effect, the young David. Maybe there are connections there, Dominic, both with your past and with what begins today. Perhaps Fr James has been your Eli! I hope you’ll always be enough of a boy to say, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening.’ St Bernard is portrayed by the liturgy as someone full of fire and light; may you bring warmth and vision into the world! And may the Saints of today’s Litany accompany you! Continue reading
Today Jesus says to us: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!’ (Luke 12:49-50).
Clearly, these are passionate words. They come straight from Christ’s heart. Fire and water, blazing and drowning, desire and distress – they are all there. Continue reading
If you’re called Mary, happy Name Day! This Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary in her Assumption. So, let’s wish it and ourselves and our parish a happy Name Day, and ask our Lady to continue to keep care of this church and parish, its clergy and people. Continue reading
The President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has written to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to express his concerns at the attacks launched against the SNP MP Dr Lisa Cameron, following her vote against an amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill that would have lifted the legal protections presently afforded to the unborn child in Northern Ireland. Continue reading
If you would like to have a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of your faith, then join us for Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible. You will not only benefit personally from being part of this study; you will also help to bring about a profound renewal in our parish as we grow closer to Christ. Continue reading
The 21st Aberdeen Diocesan Golf (Bishops Shield) match took place at Kintore Golf Club, on the 28th June, 2019. The winners were: Continue reading
Sunday 30th June saw the Diocese of Aberdeen gather at Pluscarden Abbey for its annual Pilgrimage, celebrated this year on the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The day was blessed with fine weather, Pluscarden having escaped the hail, heavy rain and thunder and lightning which affected much of the rest of the country. Continue reading
Today’s readings are Joyce’s choice: Paul to the Colossians and the Gospel of John, ch. 15. The verses of the Gospel just read have been called – by Jean Vanier no less – “the heart of the Gospel”. They come from Jesus’ last discourse when he was opening his heart, about to leave his disciples. And what does he say? Remain in my love. I’ve told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy be complete. Love one another. I won’t call you servants anymore; I call you friends. You did not choose me, I chose you. I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit. And again, Love one another. These are words that come from the heart. Continue reading
At St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen on Monday 1st July at 6pm , a mass was celebrated to commemorate the retirement and long standing service to the Diocese of (in latter years) the P.A. to Bishop Hugh, Mrs Joyce Webster. But Joyce was much more than a PA as she wore many hats during her period of devoted service.
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