Parishioners of St Joseph’s in Broomhouse, Edinburgh, welcomed Archbishop Cushley to celebrate the parish's 75th Anniversary.
He visited for Sunday Mass ahead of the Feast of St Joseph (today, Wednesday 19 March).
In his homily, Archbishop Cushley focused on the theme of “journey”, reflecting on the Scots Irish Catholics who were instrumental in founding the parish in 1950.
He acknowledged that St Joseph’s is a truly international parish, comprised of many who have made the journey from other parts of the world to make their home in Scotland.
After Mass Fr Alex Anandam SSP, parish administrator, acknowledged the excellent work of the Augustinians who served St Joseph’s for 25 years from 1995 – 2020.
He then renewed the commitment of the Society of St Paul, who administer the parish and the bookshop at St Mary's Cathedral, to serving the parish of St Joseph’s.
To confirm this commitment, the Society of St Paul then gifted a new statue of the Divine Mercy to the parish and asked Archbishop Cushley to bless it.
Following Mass, parishioners gathered in the parish hall and Ewan Walker, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council, reflected on the people who have served the parish faithfully over the years.
As a token of appreciation, many of the longest serving parishioners of St Joseph’s were presented with an icon of St Andrew by Archbishop Cushley.
Other mementos included a CD with Mass music recorded by the parish musicians, and a pen inscribed with the anniversary details.
St Joseph’s is planning to make its 75th anniversary a year of celebration and renewal.
Events include the publication of a book detailing the history of the parish to be released at Easter (the parish was actually opened for Mass on Easter Sunday, 1950) and a pilgrimage to Knock in Ireland in June.
A special event honouring the Augustinians is also in the pipeline for August, close to the Feast of the St Augustine (28 August).
Pictures and text: Ewan Walker. Do you have a big celebration happening in your parish? Let us know! Email matthew.meade@staned.org.uk