On Saturday 8 August St. Mary's Church, Fort William was filled for the Celebration Mass to mark  the centenary of the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop, foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

This joyful and inspiring occasion was planned and prepared by Sisters Audrey and Therese, the Josephite Sisters of Caol, who enlisted the help of local instrumentalists and singers, including members of the diocesan choir,  to provide  inspiring music for the Mass.

Parishioners maintained Lochaber's reputation for generous hospitality by providing a buffet lunch for all who participated and followed this up with a traditional ceilidh featuring songs,
poems and story-telling.




Bishop Joseph Toal, himself a relative of Blessed Mary, was
principal celebrant at the Mass . In his homily Bishop Joe spoke of Blessed Mary's complete trust in God's providence, her desire to do God's will in all things and her zeal for spreading the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

(click here to read the Bishop's homily)





Bishop Joe was joined in the
concelebrated Mass by
Bishop emeritus Ian Murray

     









diocesan clergy and visiting priests
also concelebrated





Blessed Mary's Lochaber relatives were joined by our two
Josephite Sisters from Lochyside, Therese (front row far left)
and Audrey (front row far right)
 (photo Anthony MacMillan)




Bishop Joe and Bishop Ian with some of the Sisters from the diocese
and elsewhere who attended the service
(photo Anthony MacMillan)








Members of Blessed Mary's Religious Congregation give Bishop Ian a tutorial on the life of their foundress!

(photo: Anthony MacMillan)







Click here to learn more about Blessed Mary MacKillop