A few words....
Hope all’s well.
The picture should be a good bit clearer today, after the Scottish Government’s review, as to when our public Masses can resume.
Today, in Scotland, is a Marian feast. It’s the feast of Our Lady of Aberdeen, which goes back to the mid 16th century when a statue of the Madonna and child was placed by the bishop in a chapel near the Bridge of Dee.
During the Reformation, the statue was saved from destruction and eventually found its way to Brussels.
Under the title of Our Lady of Good Success, it continues to be venerated there today.
For us Scots, today’s feast reminds us of our heritage, our Catholic heritage during the tough penal times.
For during the penal times, the celebration of Mass was forbidden.
Priests were liable to arrest, banishment and, if they returned from exile, death.
It was an offence to harbour a priest or for Catholics to gather.
Catholic homes were regularly searched.
In what were desperately trying and dangerous times for Catholics, it was important to keep the faith in the face of opposition.
This feast, therefore, of Our Lady of Aberdeen was so important for the people, honouring, as they did, the Mother of God, fleeing to her for protection, imploring her help and, in their suffering, seeking her intercession.
Today, there are many parts of the world where it’s not safe to be a believer, to worship, to pray. There are many places where good people require our help and our prayers.
Our Lady of Aberdeen, pray for all who are suffering and being persecuted for their faith.
Our Lady of Aberdeen, pray for us.
‘Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided’
Hoping to announce tomorrow when Masses will resume in St Andrew’s.
Hope you have a good day.
Take care.
Fr Mackle
Hope all’s well.
The picture should be a good bit clearer today, after the Scottish Government’s review, as to when our public Masses can resume.
Today, in Scotland, is a Marian feast. It’s the feast of Our Lady of Aberdeen, which goes back to the mid 16th century when a statue of the Madonna and child was placed by the bishop in a chapel near the Bridge of Dee.
During the Reformation, the statue was saved from destruction and eventually found its way to Brussels.
Under the title of Our Lady of Good Success, it continues to be venerated there today.
For us Scots, today’s feast reminds us of our heritage, our Catholic heritage during the tough penal times.
For during the penal times, the celebration of Mass was forbidden.
Priests were liable to arrest, banishment and, if they returned from exile, death.
It was an offence to harbour a priest or for Catholics to gather.
Catholic homes were regularly searched.
In what were desperately trying and dangerous times for Catholics, it was important to keep the faith in the face of opposition.
This feast, therefore, of Our Lady of Aberdeen was so important for the people, honouring, as they did, the Mother of God, fleeing to her for protection, imploring her help and, in their suffering, seeking her intercession.
Today, there are many parts of the world where it’s not safe to be a believer, to worship, to pray. There are many places where good people require our help and our prayers.
Our Lady of Aberdeen, pray for all who are suffering and being persecuted for their faith.
Our Lady of Aberdeen, pray for us.
‘Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided’
Hoping to announce tomorrow when Masses will resume in St Andrew’s.
Hope you have a good day.
Take care.
Fr Mackle
