Archbishop Conti came to Saint Mary's on the evening of Saturday 15th August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Parish Feast Day.  On arriving at the door of the Church he was welcomed by Monsignor Peter Smith and the clergy of Saint Mary's along with the clergy of Saint Andrew's Cathedral and other concelebrants.

On being presented with a crucifix which he then kissed, the Archbishop sprinkled those around with holy water from the font and the procession entered the church.  On approaching the sanctuary, the Archbishop went to his Cathedra and sat down while the decree creating Saint MaAry's as the Pro-Cathedral was read.  The Archbishop then vested for Mass and the people of Saint Mary's, with visitors from around the Archdiocese, celebrated the Mass of the Feast Day.

Saint Andrew's Cathedral was closed on 14th August so that a major renovation project could be undertaken on the Cathedral.  The Cathedral which is approaching its 200th Anniversary has been in need of major work for some time. The programme of renovation and restoration will be accompanied by the completion of new heating and lighting systems as well as repainting and redecoartion.  This work will take a year to complete and, once completed, will see the return of the Cathedra (The Bishop's Chair) to Saint Andrew's.

In the meantime, the Cathedra will rest in Saint Mary's where Archbishop Conti will occupy the Cathedra at the major moments in the life of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.

Click here to read the August 2009m Edition of Flourish containing more information about the plans for the Cathedral (PDF format)