Saint Mary of the Assumption

Introduction

Saint Mary of the Assumption in Aberdeen was opened in December 1860 as the principal Catholic Church in the west end of the city, replacing Saint Peter's Church. The church became the Cathedral when the post-Reformation diocese was set up in 1878. The architect of the church was Alexander Ellis, a local man.

History

After the death of Bishop James Kyle in 1869, Saint Mary's became a pro-Cathedral. The spire, added with the bells in 1876-1877, was designed by R.G. Wilson. Between 1957 and 1960 there was an intensification of the work of adapting the Cathedral to the needs of the day and to the modern liturgical requirements.

Architecture and furnishings

The high altar, made from Aberdeen granite, was erected in 1960. The organ, a rare example of the work of James Conacher of Huddersfield, was installed in 1887. The nave has six glass-fibre reliefs, the work of local artist Anne Davidson, depicting scenes of the Blessed Virgin Mary's role in the Life of Christ. The Lady Altar, situated under the spire, is the principal shrine in the diocese of Our Lady of Aberdeen.

The hand-carved wooden statue of Our Lady is a replica of the original honoured in Aberdeen prior to the Reformation, which is in Brussels. The window of Saint John Ogilvie, the work of David Gulland, was erected in 1978 to mark the Centenary of the Restoration of Diocesan Bishops in Scotland. The baptismal font was placed in its present position in 1978. The modern glass-fibre rood on the sanctuary wall is by Charles Blakeman of London.

The west window depicts the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. The Blessed Sacrament Shrine stands to the left front as one faces the sanctuary, with a red oil-lamp burning constantly as a sign of the Real Presence.

Music and liturgy

Ronald Leith has been organist of St Mary's Cathedral since 1973 and has served under four Bishops and seven Administrators. The Cathedral has the capability to live stream a funeral when relatives are living overseas and are unable to travel to the church.

Parish life

The Cathedral's Chapter of Canons regularly meets in the Chapter Room. The parish runs Adult Confirmation Classes, beginning with the Alpha Course which includes a mandatory weekend. The Cathedral has a Cathedral Gift & Bookshop.

Regular events

The Aberdeen Diocesan Choir provides high quality liturgical music from a wide repertoire of sacred choral music. The Cathedral building is sought as a venue for music recitals and concerts from time to time.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents participate in the Parent Formation Programme, with sessions held throughout the year to help them grow in faith and accompany their children on the sacramental journey. As part of the programme, families commit to regular participation in Sunday Mass and the life of the parish throughout the year. A minimum of six months notice of intent to marry is required.

Notable people and events

Charles Gordon, who had been at Douai until driven out by the French Revolution, was ordained in the Aberdeen chapel in 1795 and was the builder of the present Saint Peter's. The organist's salary was £12 per annum, paid out of seat-rents from which the income of the church derived. In 1867 the seat-rents amounted to £322 13s 3½d. Baptisms numbered an average of 250 a year and were by no means all of children of Catholic and mixed parentage. Conversions were fairly numerous - 180 for example in the space of twelve years.

Visiting

A virtual tour of the cathedral is available. The Cathedral Book Shop stocks a large selection of books, cards, religious items, and similar goods. The main entrance is usually open on Sundays, Feast Days, and for weddings and funerals. The side entrance at 16 Huntly Street is the weekday entrance, with access to the church, the Ogilvie Centre and the Church Halls.