Cardinal's historic visit to Luss
David Carnduff • Published 28 Jun 2010 22:33
CHURCH history was made at Luss on Sunday when Cardinal Keith O'Brien visited as guest preacher.
The Cardinal's visit was regarded in the village as probably the first occasion since the Reformation that a Roman Catholic clergyman had preached in the church.
Cardinal O'Brien had been invited as part of the 1,500th anniversary of St Kessog bringing Christianity to the area in 510AD.
In his typically relaxed and good natured manner, the Cardinal stood at the church gate, shaking hands and speaking with parishioners as they arrived.
At the start of the service, which was being broadcast worldwide through the internet-based Luss TV, minister the Rev Dane Sherrard welcomed Cardinal O'Brien and described the occasion as "spectacular in every sense".
The Cardinal, who is President of the Bishop's Conference of Scotland, thanked Mr Sherrard and the congregation, for their "warm and open Christian welcome which had immediately made him feel at home".
He spoke about the "River of Christianity" that began flowing with the arrival of pioneering Christians, such as St Ninian at Whithorn, St Columba at Iona and St Kessog at Luss.
"Today, that river of Christianity continues to flow, from north to south and east to west, and, thank God, also all over the world. We are all part of that great on-going river and we have our own on-going part to play. Each and every one of us must fulfil our Christian responsibilities."
In that context, he spoke about the role of the church TV, saying: "I understand the broadcast now goes out to 55 countries around the world - what an outreach you are privileged to have here in Luss.
"The apostelate of your congregation is nothing short of a marvel, forming links with other Christian communities at home and around the world."
He said that nowadays people were urged to be PC - politically correct - but he suggested PC should stand for Proclaim Christianity, in the same fearless manner adopted by St Kessog who stood up against Pagan influences, which existed even today in some parts.
He also urged people to work towards removing the boulders from the River of Christianity which were acting as a block to Christian unity.
Later in the service, which was also attended by parishioners from neighbouring
Roman Catholic churches, session clerk Robbie Lennox presented the cardinal with a copy of John McGilp Sinclair's book "Luss, The First 1500 Years" and a travel rug in the McKessog tartan.
A musical interlude was provided during the service by Sian O'Hare of Our Lady and St Patrick's High School who sang The Prayer, accompanied by Patricia Duffy.
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