Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop John Cunningham of Galloway celebrated 50 years since his ordination to the priesthood at a Mass at St Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr on Sunday.

The bishop was joined in celebrating the Mass by members of the Catholic hierarchy in Scotland including: Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Archbishop Mario Conti, Bishop Emeritus Maurice Taylor, Bishop Emeritus John Mone, Bishop Joseph Devine, Bishop Philip Tartaglia and Bishop Joseph Toal.

Bishop Cunningham’s brother, Canon James Cunningham, concelebrated the Mass with the bishops. They were joined by priests and deacons from Galloway Diocese and beyond. The celebration was attended by Faithful from across Galloway and family and friends of the bishop.

Moving celebration

“It was a lovely celebration and very moving for me to see my 50 years in the priesthood reflected in all those who were present,” Bishop Cunningham told the SCO after the celebration.

The bishop thanked Bishop Devine for preaching the homily at the Mass, and said their priestly journeys shared ‘many parallels.’

Bishop Cunningham and Bishop Devine both studied together at Blairs’ College, Aberdeen before going on to St Peter’s, Cardross. They then both studied at post-graduate level at the same time in Rome.

Giving thanks

In his homily, Bishop Devine reflected on his colleague’s contribution to the Church during his 50 years in the priesthood and shared some friendly anecdotes with the congregation.

Cardinal O’Brien also spoke at the Mass of ‘the joy of the family of the Church,’ which had gathered to celebrate with Bishop Cunningham.

He commended the altar servers, the diocesan choir, the parishioners of St Margaret’s and all those who helped make this celebration special and memorable.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Cunningham thanked his fellow bishops, brother priests, family and friends, and all who had gathered for their support and companionship through his priesthood.

The cathedral parish prepared a buffet to follow the Mass, which was enjoyed by those present in the cathedral hall.

Pic: Paul McSherry