Archdiocesan Medal for 'dedicated servant of God'

Congratulations to Claire Lynch who recently  received the Archdiocesan Medal from Archbishop Cushley at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn

Parish priest Fr John Deighan said: "Claire has worked very productively over the years in so many parts of the parish, including being the chief RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) catechist.

Claire prepares to cut the celebration cake, with Fr John Deighan and Archbishop Leo Cushley.

"She has recently stepped back from this role and we wanted to recognise the work she did."

She quietly but thoughtfully looks out for others and seeks no gratitude for what she does

Canon Jeremy Bath, his predecessor at the parish, said: "Claire is a loyal and dedicated servant of God. For many years she ran the parish RCIA programme and the baptism programme for infants. She did this with great energy and commitment.

"She has been a parish reader for many years and has taken Holy Communion to the sick and kept a pastoral eye on the residents at Hanover Court sheltered housing.

"She quietly but thoughtfully looks out for others and seeks no gratitude for what she does - even opening the Church and setting up for a baptism on a Sunday afternoon. Claire is a worthy recipient of an Archdiocesan Medal."

The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray. It is awarded for outstanding voluntary service to the Church at a local level.

GALLERY: Hundreds attend visit of Padre Pio relics

There was a great turn out tonight for the visit of the relics of Padre Pio at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas Parish in Broxburn last night.

Fr Bryan Shortall OFM Cap, Director of the Padre Pio Apostolate, spoke to us before Holy Mass below (or watch on YouTube).

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Canon Agnew celebrates 60 years in the priesthood!

A priest of the Archdiocese celebrates 60 years in the priesthood today and has been thanked for his "faithful pastoral service".

A Diamond Jubilee Mass was celebrated at St Philomena's in Winchburgh for Canon John Agnew (82). It was broadcast on Zoom so parishioners and fellow priests could join the celebration (to view, see details at end).

The homily at the Mass was given by Fr Paul Lee who said: "We give thanks for a lifetime of grace that the Canon has instilled for everyone who has encountered him. We thank you for preaching and teaching the Word so effectively in your priestly ministry."

Holy Mass to mark the occasion was streamed from St Philomena's in Winchburgh (Canon Agnew, centre, with Fr Jeremy Bath).

Canon Agnew was ordained by Cardinal Gordon Gray at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh on 18 March 1961. He first served in Methil, Fife (1961-66) before heading to minister in Nigeria (66-76), where the Archdiocese bequeathed priests to help build up the Church.

Upon returning to Scotland, he served in parishes including Hawick (76-79), Inverkeithing (79-88), Bonnybridge (88- 99) and Fauldhouse (99-09). Since retiring he has resided in Broxburn.

Fr Jeremy Bath, parish priest of Ss Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn, and St Philomena's, Winchburgh, concelebrated today's Mass. He said: "We give thanks for his dedication to Christ and God’s people.

"Canon John is very grateful for all the prayers, support and kindness bestowed for the Food Relief to the nuns and Mary’s Meals. We are truly blessed to have him amongst us."

Archbishop Cushley sent his congratulations in a video message in which he said Canon Agnew's life was "distinguished by many years of faithful pastoral service to the people of God".

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To watch Diamond Jubilee Mass, click the below link and then type in the passcode

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/f9cVLNPmwS6NDoNm6eFXX3kRqlDgKU4HYCUiqZR3T9R43UjMAHTx73zcJrEEKDIY.oaeZycN4J_rKbpyw

Passcode: N$K$j*f9