A WONDERFUL celebration took place recently in St Columbkille’s Parish Hall in Rutherglen as a book detailing the life and times of the parish was launched (above).
The special event to introduce the book—entitled Legacy of Love—to a wider audience for the first time was held in front of specially invited guests such as Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell Diocese, Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, Jerry O’Donovan and local Labour MP, Michael Shanks.
Co-author Geraldine Baird and parish priest Fr Bernard Mournian spoke at the beginning of the proceedings to kick off a happy, lively celebration to mark the completion of their unique and historic book.
The book—whose other co-author is Kathleen Lenaghan—was five years in the making and originally began life as a parish history project. A great deal of research went into the book and the volume of help and assistance inspired the writers to work tirelessly bring it to fruition. Those present on the night were delighted to be given a copy of the new publication.
“What a journey and what an outcome,” Geraldine Baird said. “This is not some dry, old history book, but rather one with a little ancient history, information about past clerics and parish societies as well as lots of photos of parish social events, the external architecture and the beautiful inside of our magnificent church.
“There is a large chapter that focuses on older parishioners’ memories of St Columbkille’s Church and school in the 1950s. These memories amuse, inform and should raise a smile too, especially for older readers as they remember their own experiences—the highs and the lows.
“The book was partly funded by the Irish Government, local businesses and organisations and the congregation. It is very high quality and beautifully illustrated. So far it has proven very popular and has earned terrific reviews. Let’s hope others do the same—it is a wonderful accolade for any parish.”
Jerry O’Donovan added his words of congratulation on the evening too saying: “It was a pleasure to attend a wonderful launch event in Rutherglen for Legacy of Love, a comprehensive and impressive history of the parish of St Columbkille’s. Given the strong contribution of the Irish community to this Burgh, Global Irish were proud to sponsor the book.”
To round off the celebrations, a congratulatory motion was submitted by local SNP MSP Clare Haughey commending the work of those at St Columbkille’s on the book, which was supported by a number of MSPs a number of other parties.
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