Diocesan Medal for centenarian Susan

Congratulations to Susan Lonie, who today received the Archdiocesan Medal at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Susan, who is 100-years-old, was nominated for the award by Monsignor Jeremy Milne for her outstanding service, especially with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

He said: "I am delighted to be able to commend you to the Archbishop for this medal and it is wonderful to see you here with family and friends gathered around you.

Susan Lonie, wearing her medal and holding the certificates, with family and Mgr Jeremy Milne and Archbishop Leo Cushley.

"I remember you from my first time here as an assistant priest, and recall how well you knew the Catholic Faith, how deeply prayerful you were and how you had that prayerful, knowledgeable presence.

"You only retired from doing the RCIA group at the age of 95 - that shows truly dedicated service.

"I think it is fitting to recognise your extraordinary service to the Cathedral Parish."

Archbishop Cushley congratulates Susan.

Susan was born in Leith in 1925 and was a member of Holy Cross Parish where she enjoyed learning about the saints.

While working in Edinburgh she attended daily Mass at the convent of the Sisters Of Marie Reparatrice before going to work.

In 1955 Susan was one of the Scottish representatives at The Beatification of British Martyrs in Rome and was part of the offertory procession and received a blessing from Saint John Paul the second.

In 1957 Susan moved with her family to her current home at Dryden Gardens and became a parishioner of St Mary’s Cathedral.

She took on many roles including cleaning, taking bookings for the hall and became a key member of the RCIA team.

She was one of the first Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and also took Holy Communion to the sick and housebound for many years.

In 2010 Susan was a reader at the celebration of Mass during the visit of Pope Benedict in Glasgow.

Archbishop Leo Cushley presented the medal to Susan during midday Mass, and told her: "You are a constant friend of the Lord by your service".

The Archdiocesan Medal is awarded by the Archdiocese to recognise outstanding service to the Catholic Church. The medal was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray. 

Q&A: Mgr Jeremy Milne, of St Mary's Cathedral

Monsignor Jeremy Milne was appointed Administrator of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, in September last year. In this Q&A from Crux Magazine, he speaks about his background, faith and his new role at the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

About you, your background
I was born in London and grew up in Kent. I was baptised into the Church of England, but religion wasn’t a big part of family life when I was growing up. I came to Edinburgh in 1992, to study, and after graduating decided to stay here. I found work soon after graduating, working for Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB before returning to academia to study for a PhD in Ecological Science which involved spending some time each year in Greece. On completing my doctorate, I was taken on as a post-doctoral researcher at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh where I worked on Scottish mountain willows.

What led you to the priesthood?
I think my faith started during one of my times in Greece. I was a struggling agnostic, not sure about faith at all – I was struggling to understand the meaning of life (or lack of meaning) and the questions I was having caused me to lose focus on my work. It was now that I first encountered the love of God, and that changed everything for me – in a moment of prayer, I came to faith...On my return to Edinburgh, I connected with my Anglican roots and began attending Episcopalian churches, but after five years I was still restless. I was increasingly drawn to the Catholic Church, particularly because of the Eucharist, the lives of the Saints, the unity fostered by the office of the papacy, and the Catholic Church’s willingness to offer clarity in doctrine and teaching. I went and knocked on the presbytery door of my local Catholic church and told the priest there (the late, lovely, Fr Tony MacDonald) that I would like to become a Catholic and, I thought, also a priest! In his wise and gentle way, Fr. Tony said, “Let’s do one thing at a time, shall we”. So, I was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil 2006, and, after a couple of years of further discernment, I was accepted by Cardinal O’Brien as a candidate for the priesthood and entered seminary at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome in 2008. Completing my journey, I was ordained here at St Mary’s Cathedral in 2012 and started my ministry as Assistant Priest at St Mary’s under Msgr Michael Regan.

What have you been doing since you departed the Cathedral?
I was assistant priest at the Cathedral for about 18 months before being asked to go and serve a trio of parishes in the Borders – Hawick, Jedburgh, and Kelso, living in Jedburgh. After a couple of years, I moved to the church house in Hawick and served there and Selkirk. Working down in the Borders was a wonderful experience. I served these parishes for three and a half years before being appointed Parish Priest to St John the Baptist and St Kentigern in Edinburgh, where I served for seven years before returning to the Cathedral. Once back in Edinburgh, I also took on some other roles, including Vicar Episcopal for Marriage & Families and recently, as Vicar General and Moderator of the Archdiocese.

How do you feel about being back at the Cathedral as Administrator?
I’m excited, but it is very daunting...Whatever my doubts, all I feel I can do is give it to God, but I am aware that lots of people have been praying for me and there has been so much goodwill towards me. I am lucky to have several things in my favour though – I’ve been at the Cathedral before, so I’m familiar with some of the mechanics of running the place and the extra demands that come from being at the centre of things. With respect to management of the Cathedral, I have the support of a good team... and there is a group of very competent volunteers who look after so much of the day-to-day activities within and around the building, so I’m fairly relaxed, so far.

What challenges are you aware of?
As part of my handover from Fr Patrick, we discussed the challenges facing the Cathedral. The roof is a big issue – even with the fundraising we’re doing and the additional funding we’re seeking, the cost of sorting the roof properly for future generations is very high. Another challenge is always going to be coordinating so many people and activities effectively, though I have to say that things seem to be running very well in general, and I have been really impressed by the high level of organisation there is in place here. One thing we might want to develop is the idea of working with the other local churches in some way and improving our general outreach beyond the walls of the Cathedral.

Do you foresee making any changes – for example, to the management of the Cathedral?
In the short term, no – but inevitably some changes will be dictated by circumstances. I feel the Cathedral is running well at present – I’ll take my time and settle in, and then, in discussion with the congregation, decide what changes, if any, are needed.

What do you know about the Friends of the Cathedral? Is it something you intend to continue?
I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen so far. The most visible manifestation of the scheme, Crux magazine, is very well produced, very professional! I look forward to attending the talks and social events that the committee has arranged. Do I intend to continue the Friends of the Cathedral? Of course, I think it’s a wonderful way of communicating some of the lesser known aspects of life in and around the parish and for bringing people together.

By Richard Andrews. This article, abridged, first appeared in the Winter edition of Crux, the magazine of the Friends of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh, Issue 6. Main image: Richard Elder Photography. Follow St Mary's Cathedral on Facebook or visit www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/

Paul visits Washington DC to March for Life

Paul Atkin, from the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, joined tens of thousands of pro-lifers  in Washington DC for the recent March for Life.

The annual event is the largest pro-life gathering in the world.

It highlights the need to protect unborn children while advocating for policies that support both mothers and their children.

Paul said: “There was a strong Catholic presence, with numerous bishops, priests, religious orders, and laypeople taking part.

"Many carried banners, prayed the Rosary, and attended Masses and Eucharistic adoration in connection with the event."

Culture of life

He added: "What I remember most is that the event was like an annual Catholic reunion!

"There were lots of parishes and schools, led by their priests and nuns, who had travelled, sometimes for days, to be at the March.

"The 'culture of life' is a vibrant part of the Church in America and it was heartening to witness and be part of."

This year’s march called for renewed efforts to expand support for women facing unplanned pregnancies, improve adoption services, and resist efforts to enshrine abortion access at the state and federal levels.

Participants voiced concerns about continued political and cultural battles over abortion laws, pledging to work toward a society where life is cherished and protected.

US Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, told the crowd: “We march to live out the sacred truth that every single child is a miracle and a gift from God."

He said that it was the task of government to “make it easier for young moms and dads to afford to have kids, to bring them into the world, and to welcome them as the blessings that we know they are here at the March for Life”.

Paul also met with representatives of the Archdiocese of Washington to discuss pro-life issues and share ideas.

The UK March for Life 2025 is in London on Saturday 6 September 2025 and a bus always runs from Scotland. Contact Paul at the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office for details: prolife@staned.org.uk

GALLERY: World Day of Consecrated Life

Religious brothers and sisters gathered for Mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh on Sunday to mark World Day of Consecrated life.

In his homily, Archbishop Cushley said: "They have dedicated themselves to a life of perfect charity, of complete and single-minded focus on living a life dedicated to the Lord.

"Let's keep them in our prayers and let's pray for vocations to the religious life."

In the Archdiocese there are 12 Institutes of Consecrated Life (and Societies of Apostolic Life) for men and 15 for women.

View them on this website under at the Vocations tab ('Religious Life') here.

If you are interested in exploring the religious life, please email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk

Gallery

Religious Sisters holding candles at the beginning of Holy Mass.
Centre, Sr Karin Hugens FSO and Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, of The Spiritual Family The Work, Edinburgh, at Holy Mass.
The Missionaries of Charity (Edinburgh) with Fr Michael Downie of Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw (Haddington, left), and Fr Ray Warren OMI (St Mary's, Star of the Sea, Leith).
Religious Sisters of Mercy, Lauriston, with two members of the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary.
The Carmelites (Bathgate).
The Ursulines of Jesus, who are based in Rumford, near Falkirk, with lay members, as well as Mairi Clunas OCV (second from right). Sr Kathleen Curran UJ (centre left) is the President of the CRS Conference of Religious of Scotland.
Discalced Carmelites, Dysart, Fife.
A sister from the Missionaries of Charity, says the bidding prayers at Mass.
Archbishop Cushley with Sr Aurora, a member of the Servidoras (Lochgelly, Fife).
Sr Miriam Fidelis Reed RSM (left) and Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM with Fr Davide Radaelli from the Oratory Project at St Patrick's, Edinburgh, Mgr Jeremy Milne, Administrator of St Mary's Cathedral and Fr Binu Palakkapilly.

 

Bernadette honoured with papal medal

Congratulations to Bernadette Barry who has been honoured with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal.

The award is given to those who have shown distinguished service to the Church and is the highest medal that the Pope can give to a layperson.

Bernadette received the award for her selfless work for the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for over 50 years.

It was presented by Archbishop Cushley at Mass celebrated in St Cuthbert's, Slateford, on Sunday afternoon, which was attended by family, friends and fellow pilgrims.

Canon James Tracey, Pilgrimage Director (and parish priest at St Joseph's in Burntisland), said: "Bernadette is very much a powerhouse behind the Pilgrimage.

"Her first pilgrimage was when she was 18 and Lourdes has played a huge part of her life since.

"There is no-one more generous with their time and effort; over the years she has given countless hours attending committee meetings and ensuring things go like clockwork, especially for the assisted pilgrims.

"Her support to me as Pilgrimage Director has been invaluable.

"As Chief Lady Helper she leads the team of ladies and organises the rotas with her usual efficiency. She ensures that we have all we need for the comfort of the assisted pilgrims.

There are many other things that she does in the background, which she does selflessly.

So today we acknowledge Bernadette' personal contribution and dedication for over 50 years.

Bernadette, a parishioner at St Cuthbert's, remains Chief Lady Helper at Lourdes and a member of the Hospitalite and Pilgrimage Committees. She is looking forward to this year's pilgrimage which takes place 11-18 July.

Canon James finished: "Bernadette receives the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal with gratitude and humility - she has rightly stated that we work as a team.

"But her individual contribution for so many years has been outstanding and we are delighted that it is being recognised in this way."

Archbishop Savio's warm welcome to Edinburgh

His Excellency Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai SDB received a warm welcome to Edinburgh while on a special pastoral visit.

He celebrated Mass  yesterday for the Cantonese-speaking community for Chinese New Year in Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Lauriston.

Archbishop Savio is visiting parishes in London, Cambridge, Birmingham, Warrington, Glasgow and Manchester, bringing his pastoral message to Cantonese communities and beyond.

This morning he met Archbishop Cushley, who said: "We had a very positive meeting and he was pleased to hear about the work being done to reach out to the Chinese and those from Hong Kong who are living in the UK.

"The Catholic community has already made them very welcome in the Archdiocese, in particular at Sacred Heart Parish in Lauriston, Edinburgh, where Cantonese-speaking Catholics gather to celebrate Mass on the second Sunday of each month.

"It gives us a way of learning more, and to better understand their pastoral needs."

He added: "Archbishop Savio and I overlapped  in Rome about 15 years ago when we were both working for Pope Benedict XVI so it was really good to catch up with him."

Archbishop Savio is Apostolic Nuncio to Malta and Libya, and Titular Archbishop of Sila.

A Salesian and a theologian, he was consecrated as a Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI and served on the Theological Commission at the invitation of the late Holy Father.

Archbishop Savio is well-regarded for his pastoral care during his active ministry within the Salesian Order and the Diocese of Hong Kong.

Among his notable contributions is leading a team to translate the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by St John Paul II, into Chinese – an enduring legacy widely used across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and mainland China.

The Cantonese-speaking Catholic community in Edinburgh gathers to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart Church on the second Sunday of each month. Visit edinburghjesuit.org.uk

Latest events in the Archdiocese and beyond

Here is a round-up of forthcoming events in the Archdiocese and beyond.

This Sunday: World Day for Consecrated Life

Join Religious brothers and sisters at St Mary’s Cathedral this Sunday (2 February) to celebrate the World Day of Consecrated Life with midday Mass. It is a chance to meet some of those who live and work in the Archdiocese and to pray for more vocations to the Religious Life.

Afternoon retreat for couples

The Archdiocese has organised a Valentine’s mini-retreat for married and engaged couples from 2-5pm on Saturday 15 February at St Kentigern’s Church, 26 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR. The speaker is Fr Andrew Garden (St David’s, Dalkeith) and the event is free. Register at bit.ly/valretreat25

'Hope Eternal': A concert of beautiful choral music by the Schola Cantorum

On Monday 17 February at 7:30pm St Mary's Catholic Cathedral's celebrated Schola Cantorum will perform a hope-filled concert of choral music at Our Lady of Loretto and St Michael Church, Musselburgh. All are welcome, and all proceeds will help to support the choir's singing at Scots College Ordinations in Rome in May 2025. Tickets are £10 / £8 concession, available from Eventbrite or on the door: https://tinyurl.com/hopeschola

Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome

Archbishop Cushley leads our Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome for young adults (18+) which takes place 28 July to 4 August 2025. Cost £1,175 includes return flights from Edinburgh to Rome, coach transfers, bed and breakfast at Casa Santa Lucia and an opportunity to take part in the Jubilee for Young People programme, including attending Mass with the Holy Father. Limited single rooms available. Email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk by Sunday 2 February.

Workshop for Children's Liturgy Leaders

If you are involved with Children's Liturgy in your parish, the Archdiocesan Catechetics Commission invites you to The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, for a workshop on Children's Liturgy of the Word. The day takes place on Saturday 22 February from 9:30am-12:00pm and will include Mass, discussion groups, a presentation on resources, and a presentation on the Liturgy of the Word within Mass. Registration and full event schedule at https://forms.office.com/e/yRxbbsJ5kL.

Assisted Pilgrims for Lourdes 

Do you know someone who is ill or infirm and would enjoy the opportunity to experience a life-changing trip to Lourdes? The Archdiocese is seeking Assisted Pilgrims to join them on the pilgrimage in July. They will receive 24hr support from the brilliant doctors, nurses and volunteers in the Medical/Helper Team and stay in specially equipped accommodation. It will be an unforgettable week with a full spiritual and social programme. Please contact Bernadette on 0131 441 1939 or visit www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes24

Rise in Faith, Live in Hope

The Archdiocese invites high school pupils to 'Rise in Faith, Live in Hope' at St Francis Xavier's Church, 11am-3pm on Saturday 15 March. The event will provide encouragement and inspiration to help our young people grow in their faith amidst the challenges they face. Includes Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Register at bit.ly/archyouth

Aid to the Church in Need: Scottish Conference 'Courage to be Catholic'

Hear from inspiring speakers, meet representatives of Catholic organisations from around Scotland, and help build Catholic community. 9:30am - 4:00pm, Saturday 29 March, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Register at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EHSR

Lay ministers to proclaim the good news in schools

Archbishop Cushley has commissioned a group of Lay Ministers to help spread the good news of Jesus Christ at high schools in the Archdiocese.

The volunteers will work with school chaplains to support the faith journey of students and staff.

A Mass was celebrated last night at St Margaret's Chapel, at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh, where Archbishop Cushley told them: “We don’t know what seeds we are sowing by being at schools as living witnesses, but we know the living Lord wants to be close to these young people.

"With the Lord’s blessing and your commitment this evening, wonderful things can come from these humble beginnings.

“So be assured of our gratitude for what you are doing and for setting an example to encourage young people to get curious about their faith and to get to know the living Lord.”

Lay Ministers will begin their part-time role in the following schools in February:

Margaret Russell (right) a retired head teacher, said: “I'm looking forward to working with the children at Sinclair Academy in Winchburgh and trying to bring the joy of knowing Jesus Christ to them, and in some ways to try and see if there’s anything we can do to encourage more parents to return to Mass."

Tasks for lay ministers will include planning and leading prayer services and retreats, being responsible for the upkeep of the school Oratory, and supporting the school community in times of bereavement.

They will also be available when students are on their breaks – the ministry of presence.

Christopher Santini, head teacher of St Thomas of Aquin’s in Edinburgh, said: "We have a very strong chaplain experience at our school, but having three lay chaplains supporting our work making sure we are educating the spiritual growth of all our children is great news for us.

"We also have the use of Sacred Heart Church from our school chaplain Fr Adrian Porter, so we are standing here blessed and I'm really looking forward to the next couple of years."

Main image: Lay Ministers following their commissioning at St Margaret's Chapel at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh on Tuesday 28 January 2025. Also pictured (from left) are Fr Jamie Boyle (St Mary's, Stirling), Archbishop Cushley, Fr John Deighan (St John Cantius & St Nicholas, Broxburn, and Vicar Episcopal for Catholic Education) and Fr Peter Owolabi, Our Lady of Lourdes, Blackburn.

Barbara shares Catholic faith on Songs of Praise

Singer, songwriter and actress Barbara Dickson has appeared on Songs of Praise to reflect on the music that has shaped her faith.

The episode saw Barbara being interviewed by Pam Rhodes at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, where Barbara is a parishioner.

She reflected on the exciting, early days in the city when she began making a name for herself as a talented singer & songwriter as well as finding her faith around the same time.

Barbara sings an atmospheric version of one of her favourite hymns, Creator of the Stars on Night.

She said: “When I came to Edinburgh I started to feel drawn to a church (St Francis, Lothian Street) and that's where I really started to feel a sort of depth of feeling towards God.

"I think only when I went to Catholic churches did I actually begin to feel ‘the presence’, … I would come in here and and absorb the silence."

She added: "When I became a Catholic there was that feeling of a massive continuity that had come to me from Saint Paul really...2,000 years of unbroken worship.

"I love the liturgy as a means of worshipping God. I had always felt like a Catholic so when I actually was confirmed and I was received into the church it felt like coming home."

Barbara with presenter Pam Rhodes at the National Shrine of St Andrew inside St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.

On the programme Barbara sings a beautiful version of Creator of the Stars on Night and visits the National Shrine of St Andrew which is located inside the Cathedral.

She also said a special prayer in praise of the gift of music: "Heavenly father thank you for the gift of music which brings us so much joy maybe continue to use it and praise and worship of you we also pray for the intercession of Saint Andrew to remain devoted wherever we are in our journey of faith we ask this in the name of Christ the Lord, Amen."

Songs of Praise: Barbara Dickson's Faith & Music is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer

Parishioners recognised for outstanding service

Congratulations to John Lawrence McCulloch, Anne Marie Mitchell and John Watson who each received the Archdiocesan medal from Archbishop Cushley on Thursday.

The medal recognises their outstanding service and dedication over many years at St John the Baptist Parish in Fauldhouse, West Lothian.

The trio were nominated by Fr William McQuillan who highlights their good work over many years, below.

John Lawrence McCulloch

"Lawrence was born here in 1933 has been a faithful and dedicated member of the parish his entire life.

"A much respected member of the community in Fauldhouse, with a career in finance, he dedicated his talents to the financial aspects of the parish, and indeed other parishes in the Archdiocese.

"Until recently he has administered the accounts of St John the Baptist for many parish priests over the years until he retired last year. He is still an active member of the finance committee.

"Over the years he has been a leader in fundraising activities, and obtained grants from trusts to finance parish initiatives, especially the new parish hall.

"Until recently he was also a member of the Parish Council helping arrange social functions for the parish and local community.

"A faithful gentleman, he attends daily Mass with his devoted wife, and the awarding of the medal is a great recognition of his life of service."

Anne Marie Mitchell

"Since her arrival in Fauldhouse in 1971, there is virtually no ministry or parish activity Anne Marie has not been involved in.

"Her dedication to supporting the liturgical, pastoral and social life of the parish is recognised by all.

"Presently she is one of the parish sacristans and expert flower arranger; she organises the rotas for readers and communion ministers, and is a communion minster herself.

"Her career was as a teacher in St Mary's Primary in Polbeth and she has led youth groups and youth choirs, been involved in RCIA and has organised parish pilgrimages nationally and internationally.

"She is known to many in the Archdiocese for her work at the baths in Lourdes, where she works faithfully for several weeks every year. She is a very worthy recipient of this award."

John Watson

"John has given lifelong service to the parish, especially through his incredible skill and experience as a carpenter and a craftsman.

His workmanship is visible in every part of the church and sacristy spanning back decades.

"Working with others when Canon McKeon was parish priest, he carried out major renovations to the church ceiling, and over the years has continued to enhance the beauty of the church.

"He has constructed a beautiful setting for the Christmas crib and a striking cross set outside the church during Lent and Easter; he recently redeveloped the church stall and contributed to the new crucifix above the altar.

John, a man of deep faith and prayer, combines his great skill and attention to detail with a spiritual beauty and insight to all he does, and recognition by the Archdiocese is very much deserved."

The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Over those 43 years, only 100 or so medals have been awarded for “outstanding voluntary service” to the Church at a local level.