A Paisley priest has been appointed as the new Vice Rector of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome.
Fr Matthew Carlin will take up the role in the coming months, assisting the Rector in the formation of Scottish seminarians preparing for priestly ministry.
He succeeds Fr Nick Welsh, whose dedicated service to the College has been warmly acknowledged by the Bishops.
Fr Nick is a priest of our Archdiocese and will return to active ministry here soon.
Fr Matthew is Parish Priest at St Aidan’s, Johnstone, and since 2025 has also served Christ the King, Howwood.
In addition to parish ministry, he serves as Vicar Episcopal for Education in the Diocese of Paisley and as Defender of the Bond at the Scottish Catholic Inter-diocesan Tribunal.
Fr Matthew said: “I was privileged to spend eight years at the Scots College in Rome, studying, praying, and preparing to serve God’s people.
“I am immensely grateful for everything I received during that time, and I look forward to assisting others in their formation for the diocesan priesthood.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Bishop John Keenan for his guidance and encouragement, and to all the Bishops of Scotland for their trust in appointing me as Vice Rector.
“I ask everyone to keep me, and all those involved in priestly formation, in their prayers.”
Fr Mark Cassidy, The Rector of the Pontifical Scots College, said: “I am sure that Fr Matthew will build on the good work done by his predecessor in helping to develop the formation programme here at the College.
“I know that Fr Matthew will be a great example and mentor to our men studying for the priesthood.
