The new Archbishop of Glasgow will be installed at a Mass on Saturday February 26 at 12 noon in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Clyde Street, Glasgow.
Pope Francis nominated Bishop William Nolan of Galloway Diocese to be the new leader of Scotland’s largest Catholic community earlier this month. The new Archbishop will celebrate a Mass of installation in the presence of the Papal Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Bishops of Scotland and over 100 priests together with representatives of almost 100 parishes in the Glasgow Archdiocese.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the Archbishop-elect said:
“I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and the pledges of prayer I gave received since the announcement was made that I was to be the new Archbishop of Glasgow. I am convinced that the flame of faith is very much alive in Glasgow, even among those who no longer practise their faith, and I want to encourage the nurturing of that faith.“
Glasgow has many social problems. I think of the poor souls begging in the streets, their dignity trampled. I think of the asylum seekers who flee poverty and persecution and are trying to make a new life here. I think of the struggle many people are having to make ends meet at present. But Glasgow also has a great resource in its people and its traditions of faith and I would hope to promote a new sense of community and compassion that would benefit people of all faiths and none.“
I am aware too of the worrying clouds of war which overshadow these days and I would appeal for people of faith to join me in praying for an end to hostilities. War is a tragedy, whenever and wherever it occurs.”