Scottish Catholic Observer

The new Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain told the congregation at the re-opening of St Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Glasgow that he aims to ‘strengthen the bonds of love’ between ‘the Holy Father’ and ‘the local Church.’

Archbishop Antonio Mennini made his first visit to Scotland last weekend following his reception by Queen Elizabeth II last month. The nuncio came for Sunday’s Solemn Mass and altar dedication at the re-opening of the renovated and transformed St Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Glasgow, a city on which Pope Alexander III bestowed the title ‘special daughter of the Roman Church.’

The nuncio’s visit for the Mass with the Scottish bishops, which also marked the sixth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s elevation, begins a new chapter not only for the cathedral but also for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, which awaits news of new members.

Nuncio’s message

Archbishop Mario Conti greeted Archbishop Mennini following the blessing of the Sacred Heart Chapel, the focal point of the £4.5 million renovation, at the end of the first Mass in the re-opened cathedral.

The nuncio then formally presented his letter of introduction from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Cardinal Keith O’Brien, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

Speaking publicly for the first time in Scotland in his new role as nuncio, Archbishop Mennini outlined his vision for the future.

“One of my first tasks is to strengthen the bonds of love between the Holy Father and the local Churches in Scotland, England and Wales,” he told the Scottish bishops, Glasgow clergy and congregation.

“I come to you first as a brother in Christ,” he said before going on to add: “In a society where many persons are searching for deeper values and meaning in their lives… Christ is needed more than ever. It is in growing closer to the Father that we grow closer to one another.”

Archbishop Mennini added that he was looking forward during his visit to getting to know more of the Scottish clergy and lay Catholics personally and working together with Christian brethren towards justice and peace in the world.

He encouraged the lay Faithful to be living examples of the Faith and to also put the case forward for evangelising, saying that ‘society today needs clear voices’ and urging ‘do not be afraid’ to protect the future of your ‘beloved nation.’

Cardinal’s welcome

Cardinal Keith O’Brien said that it gave him great pleasure to welcome the nuncio ‘on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and the whole Catholic Community in Scotland.’ He accepted Cardinal Bertone’s letter in Latin but opted, in good humour, to read aloud the English version.

“Now we have the opportunity of welcoming you to Scotland here in this magnificently re-decorated St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow,” Cardinal O’Brien said. “ I am sure that you will not mind me congratulating Archbishop Mario Conti, the Archbishop of Glasgow, and his collaborators for the magnificent work accomplished in restoring this cathedral to its ancient glory and giving to us a cathedral worthy of the city of Glasgow.

“However, it is as a brother bishop that on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland I welcome you to our midst today—hoping also that you will enjoy your time sharing with the members of our conference when we continue our deliberations over the next few days in our capital city of Edinburgh.”

Scottish bishops

The nuncio is believed to be on the verge of announcing new appointments to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland as three of its current members, including Archbishop Conti, have tendered their resignations due to either ill health or upon reaching their 75th birthdays.

“One of the most important functions of the nuncio is his role in the selection of bishops,” Catholic writer Hugh McLoughlin told the SCO.

Archbishop Mennini met this week with the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in Edinburgh.  While, as the SCO went to press, there had been no announcement regarding pending appointments to Aberdeen or Dunkeld Dioceses or Glasgow Archdiocese, the Scottish bishops made a statement this week outlining the introduction of the new English translation of the Roman Missal in Scotland from Sunday September 4.

In a letter to be sent to all clergy, Bishop Joseph Toal, president of the National Liturgy Commission, said: “Pope Benedict XVI has described the new English translation of the Missal as ‘an immense service to Catholics throughout the English-speaking world.’ Scotland’s bishops welcome the opportunity this offers to renew our faith in the Eucharist and in all aspects of its celebration.”

The full Missal will be in use throughout Scotland from the first Sunday of Advent.

—     Bishop’s letter on the new Missal in full online at http://sconews.co.uk/opinion/new-missal

—     The website http://www.romanmissalscotland.org.uk/ will offer support parishes in the introduction of the new Missal in due course.

Pic: Paul McSherry