Earlier this year a number of St Bride’s parishioners attended a moving ceremony in Motherwell Cathedral, when three Parish Priests received the title of Canon. Father Ryan and Father MacNamee were two of the priests so honoured

In general, a Chapter of Canons may be defined as an association of clerics of a certain church, forming a moral body instituted by Church Authority for the purpose of promoting Divine Worship, by means of service. Being a Cathedral Chapter, however, the principal object is to assist the Bishop in the government of the Diocese.

The title of Canon is still given in many Dioceses to senior priests, as a largely honorary recognition of long and devoted service to the Diocese. This means that our own Canon Ryan will a have wider role, besides that of his capacity of Parish Priest, in the administration of Cathedral matters. We, his parishioners in toto, wish him the health and strength to fulfill that dual role.

Maggs and Rosie