Sacred Heart, Edinburgh, celebrates 150 years

The Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston St, Edinburgh, began its 150th year celebrations last Friday, the feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola.  The opening Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Keith O'Brien with the last four parish priests of the church present.  The British Jesuit Provincial was represented by Fr Paul Hamill SJ.  The congregation packed the church, and the locals were joined by other priests of the diocese and other religious working in the diocese.

After the Gospel was read by 90-year-old Fr John McQuade SJ (who had been present at the centenary Mass 50 years ago), the Cardinal spoke simply and movingly about the history of the parish, from its establishment in the mid-19th century to the present day.  And he praised the continuing partnership between the Jesuits of Edinburgh and the Sisters of Mercy: 'From the establishment of the parish, the Sisters of St Catharine's Convent and its works have been an integral part of Lauriston life,' he said. 'We can realize just how the needs of the poor have been a vitally important part of the apostleship of Sacred Heart Parish, Lauriston, along with the Sisters of Mercy in the establishment some years ago now of the magnificent Mercy Project at St Catharine's Convent where innumerable homeless people and those in need are fed daily.

'Central to the mission of the Jesuit Fathers and Brothers in the Parish of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston over the past 150 years,' continued the Cardinal, 'has been the preaching of the Gospel, both to parishioners and non-Catholics alike, as well as an outstanding vision of social care for all of the people of the City of Edinburgh.  Jesuit Fathers did not confine the preaching of the Gospel to within the walls of their magnificent church - they rather took to the streets and regularly were to be found both visiting and preaching in all of the areas of the Grassmarket, where people often lived in abject dire poverty.'

The liturgy concluded with the award of the bene merenti medal to three long-standing parishioners, Bridie Hanlon, John McManus and Barbara Conboy.  The action then moved into the newly restored hall: 'As we celebrated the past, the new hall gave a glimpse into the future,' said parish priest, Fr James Crampsey SJ. 'And we are looking forward to a whole series of events over the coming months to celebrate our anniversary, including the visit by the St Aloysius College choir under Liam Devlin to sing Monteverdi's Orfeo.'

For more information about events to mark the 150th anniversary of Sacred Heart Church, Edinburgh, follow the link below to the parish web site.


 Sacred Heart Church, Edinburgh