Scottish Catholic Observer

AS Scotland’s largest hospice, St Margaret of Scotland in Clydebank marked 65 years of care this week the president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland highly praised its commitment to the dignity of life at a special celebration.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow, Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti, and clergy and ministers from local churches joined the Community of the Sisters of Charity—who run the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice—on Wednesday to mark the 65th anniversary of the hospice’s founding and of the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Sisters of Charity by the Venerable Mary Aikenhead.

“We here in Scotland have benefitted richly from that charism and vision with the work of St Margaret’s Hospice caring for the sick and dying, and giving witness to the dignity of the human person from the very beginning of their life to its end, carrying on the healing mission of Jesus Christ, and following his command to love and serve one another,” Archbishop Tartaglia said in his Mass homily.

“Once again we have occasion to express our thanks and appreciation to the Religious Sisters of Charity, and to Sr Rita Dawson for the outstanding work and service of the hospice in bringing the highest standards of medicine and care, entirely based upon the faith vision of the Catholic Church of the dignity of every human person to the natural end of their lives.

“I am sure that the Venerable Mary Aikenhead is smiling at how her charism and how her vision for her congregation has taken life—and given life.”

Hospice Chief Executive Sr Rita Dawson thanked the Catholics who have supported its work down the years.

“It is a day for us to celebrate and remember all that has happened in the past, which has resulted in the hospice we have here today,” Sr Rita told staff and guests. “We remember all those who have helped us and in such a special year for the Sisters of Charity—the bi-centenary year.

She added that it has been ‘our privilege’ to look after so many patients and their relatives.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the public in supporting the life that goes on in St Margaret of Scotland Hospice,” Sr Rita said.

It costs an average of £40,000 a week to keep the healthcare facility with 150 staff running, offering beds to 58 patients and treatment to another 50 in the day hospice, as well as outpatients and community nurses.

Non-denominational, the hospice is open to everyone aged 16 and over with a life-limiting illness and in need of care.

—[email protected]

—This story ran in full in the Aug 28 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.