Scottish Catholic Observer

The message will be read by Mgr Vincent Brady from the Apostolic Nuciature during a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh tomorrow on the Feast of the Birthday of Our Lady.

In his message, ahead of his arrival in Scotland next week, Pope Benedict XVI says that he is writing to the cardinal to ‘congratulate you on your long and fruitful ministry’ and ‘constant pastoral care.’

The Holy Father commends the cardinal for having ‘helped foster the faith of your people by your advice and good example’ and also pays tribute to Cardinal O’Brien’s long interest in the developing world, complimenting the way he has supported ‘various needy diocese in Africa, Asia and Latin America.’

The message concludes with a blessing to the cardinal and the people of St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese and Scotland: ‘We commend you and all your flock in prayer and the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary.’

“I am honoured to receive this heartfelt message from the Pope and humbled by the compliments he pays,” Cardinal O’Brien said. “I am especially grateful for the promise of his prayers for all the people of the Archdiocese of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh whom it has been my pleasure to serve as Archbishop for the past 25 years.”

Cardinal O’Brien became the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh in 1985.

Pic: Paul McSherry