Scottish Catholic Observer

The Glasgow school is Europe’s biggest, with more than 2,000 pupils and 130 staff, and has been in its current location since 1936. Having played such an important role in the community for such a long time the school’s anniversary was marked by hundreds of people with a connection to it.

The central part of the commemorations was the anniversary Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Tartaglia in Holy Cross Church. Joined by their counterparts who have moved on from Holyrood, teachers and pupils—along with parents—took part in a parade led to Holy Cross by the St Francis Pipe Band.

During Mass, Archbishop Tartaglia spoke of the great impact the school has had on life in Glasgow and beyond, as well as the great witness of Faith by staff, pupils and families through the last 80 years.

“Think of all those young boys and girls, young women and men, who were educated at Holyrood,” he said in his homily. “Who learned there, and who went on to contribute to the life of this city and country, and of other cities and countries in so many ways, in so many families, workplaces and professions, in public life and public service, and in the service of the Church.

“Think of all the teachers and school staff who taught and worked in Holyrood over these years, dedicating themselves to their noble profession and to their pupils. Think of the teaching, the learning, the hard work and the study.

“Think of the friendship, the support and the growing up together. Think of the sharing of joys and sorrows alike, and of hopes and aspirations. Think of the academic achievements.

“Think of the art, the music and the sport. And think of the faith, the prayer, the praise, and the worship from which it came, which knit it all together, which made it something sacred, and which offered it all to God.

“Think of all that this evening, and it’s not even the half of what 80 years of a school is, and give thanks to God for Holyrood Secondary.”

As many former pupils took the opportunity to look back on their school years and join in the events commemorating 80 years of Holyrood, the school community also noted the ways in which so many pupils stay connected with their old school.

“We still have the biggest roll in Glasgow with over 2,000 young people attending,” they said. “We welcome visitors every week who return to their old school, which they hold in great affection. Many have made their homes in other parts of the country or indeed the world. With social media it is easier to get in touch and remain in touch. Nowadays we have a strong multi-cultural population but still our values of respect and love are high on our agenda. Here’s to the next 80 years!”

Following Mass the congregation and clergy returned to the school where they enjoyed some refreshments and looked back on the life of the school and the achievements and efforts of the pupils today.

—This story ran in full in the September 23 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.