Congratulations to Father Paul Canon Kelly of St Michael’s in Linlithgow who was today installed as a member of the Chapter of Canons of St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral by Archbishop Leo Cushley.
“I’m elated as well as elevated, it was all very nice, quite enjoyable, a very happy occasion” said Canon Kelly following the installation, 3 September, the Feast of St Gregory the Great.
“It was also nice to see some of the parishioners from St Michael’s in Linlithgow here, that was very nice too.”
Erected on 23 December 1885, the Canons of the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter are drawn from the ranks of the most senior parish priests within the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Each canon is assigned his own stall within St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Edinburgh.
As a mark of their standing, His Holiness Pope Pius XI, in a letter issued 22 May 1925, states that the canons of the Archdiocese “may and should during their time in office, both in choir and out of choir, lawfully wear the black soutane with red piping, buttons and buttonholes.”