March 10, 2015: The 400th Anniversary of a Martyrdom

The Archdiocese of Glasgow, Scotland is preparing to celebrate the 400th anniversary of St. John Ogilvie's martyrdom this year on March 9 and 10. The former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, will represent Pope Francis at the events which include Solemn Vespers at St Aloysius Church, Glasgow at 7.30 pm on March 9 and a Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow at 7.30 pm on March 10, St John Ogilvie’s feast day.:

John Ogilvie, a convert to the Catholic faith from Banffshire was educated on mainland Europe before being ordained a Jesuit priest. He returned to his native country to serve for a short time. He was hanged at Glasgow Cross on March 10 1615 after having been arrested for saying Mass and celebrating the sacraments with persecuted Catholics in and around the Glasgow area. He was canonised by Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1976 following the miraculous cure of Glasgow man John Fagan from cancer.

Commenting on his nomination, Cardinal Murphy O’Connor said: “I feel greatly honoured to be appointed by Pope Francis as a special envoy for the solemn celebration of the 400th centenary of the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie in Glasgow.

“I am particularly happy because I was in Rome for the saint’s canonisation in 1976 and took part in the great celebration for the Church in Scotland and indeed, the universal Church.

“I look forward to the events taking place in Glasgow on March 9-10 and to presenting the Holy Father’s message to the Church in Scotland and to all those present at the celebrations.”

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow, who will preside at the anniversary events, said: “The Bishops of Scotland intend to celebrate this anniversary both as an event of great joy for the Catholic community in Scotland and as a moment of new hope for all Christians, for all believers and for all people of good will. Cardinal Murphy O’Connor’s presence and participation as the Papal envoy will add even greater significance and will bring the Successor of Peter closer to us and to the people of Scotland.

More about St. John Ogilvie, SJ next month on his feast.