Scottish Catholic Observer

Celtic’s long-serving midfield player, Tommy Bums, takes his Faith—like football—very seriously.

He appreciates the material things in life—like a nice house and nice car—which he has been able to obtain through his professional career. But far more important to him is his Faith in God.

Life to me is not about the material things and how much you can get out of it. Being close to God is what really matters and if you have that then it’s a great feeling,” Tommy said.

That’s one of the reasons why he is always on hand to help charities in any way he can. Tommy has also visited several primary schools in the past couple of years to talk about his religious beliefs to the children.

Tommy, who celebrates his 32nd birthday this month, was born in Soho Street, in Glasgow’s east end—about 10 minutes away from Celtic Park.

His father, Tommy senior, is a Catholic and his mother Margaret—who always made sure he went to Mass regularly in his younger days—a Protestant.

Tommy attended St Mary’s Primary School in the Calton district and St Mary’s Secondary, Boden Street.

His visits to primary schools came about when he was approached by former teacher Brother Jerome.

“I was asked to visit a school in Dumbarton by Brother Jerome and talk about Confirmation to the children.

He thought that they would listen to me more attentively than they would to a priest or teacher.

“But instead of talking about Confirmation, I decided to tell the children about my Faith in general, and what God meant to me.
“I spoke for about 10 minutes and then asked the children if they had any questions. One boy immediately put up his hand and said: “What’s the best goal you’ve scored for Celtic.” I enjoyed my visit, but I think the children, quite understandably were more interested in my football career.

Tommy’s quick to point out that he doesn’t go around forcing Faith down other people’s throats. “I think it’s necessary to live a life at the level you choose. To me that means going to Mass every night in my parish of St Cadoc’s in Newton Mearns.

He is happily married to Margaret and they have three young children—Emma, seven, Jenna, three and 17-month-old Michael.
During his early 20s he felt that it was important to attend church more than just once a week.

Tommy does charity work ‘Child Aid’ which helps under-privileged children and one-parent families in Glasgow. He got involved with Child Aid through his friend Mick Talent, who works for Strathclyde Social Services.

Tommy mentioned Child Aid to the staff and players at Parkhead and was delighted when they collected much-needed clothes for the children.

“I visit pubs to smash charity bottles and collect cheques on behalf of Child Aid and also to try and get the charity some publicity. I spend very little of my time doing this work, the unsung heroes are the ones in the background who are involved with the day-to-day running of the charity.”

Many people have spoken to Tommy about Renew in Glasgow Archdiocese and he certainly backs it. “There’s a great buzz about Renew and it is changing a lot of people’s lives. I hope that Paisley Diocese which takes in my parish will begin Renew.”
He openly admits that, so far, he has had a comfortable life, but through the good times and bad he has relied on his Faith to see him through.

“Like most people, I have many weaknesses and it’s vital to hav e God to lean on; without Faith in God you have nothing.”
He feels that young people should have a discipline about themselves and care for others.

“It’s too easy to have the ‘I’m alright Jack’ attitude. There is the danger of over indulgence and that leads to wanting more and more of the material things in life.”

And, if by some unfortunate twist of fate, that Celtic player, Tommy Burns, lost his nice house and nice car in the morning, he would accept it without any resent.

“I would be upset, not for myself, but for my family.”