New Archbishop of Glasgow says 'flame of faith very much alive' in the city ahead of taking up the role

The new Archbishop of Glasgow has said he is convinced the “flame of faith is very much alive” in the city, ahead of taking up the role.

Bishop William Nolan of Galloway Diocese will be installed at a Mass on Saturday at 12pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral on Clyde Street.

He will celebrate a Mass of installation in the presence of the Papal Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and the Bishops of Scotland.

The Mass will also be attended by more than 100 priests together with representatives of almost 100 parishes in the Glasgow Archdiocese.

Bishop Nolan succeeds Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who died in January last year.

22-02-02 Bishop Mario Conti was installed as Archbishop of Glasgow. This Sat 26th Feb Bishop William Nolan will be installed as the next Archbishop of the Archdiocese after the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia on 13th Jan 2021 @ArchdiocGlasgow @BishopsScotland @priestsforscot pic.twitter.com/WUyBkJghHm
— Paul Mc Sherry (@PaulMcSherry2) February 22, 2022

Speaking ahead of his installation, Bishop Nolan acknowledged the social problems faced by Glasgow, but also said the city has a “great resource” in its people and traditions of faith.

“I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and the pledges of prayer I gave received since the announcement was made that I was to be the new Archbishop of Glasgow,” he said.

“I am convinced that the flame of faith is very much alive in Glasgow, even among those who no longer practise their faith, and I want to encourage the nurturing of that faith.

“Glasgow has many social problems. I think of the poor souls begging in the streets, their dignity trampled. I think of the asylum seekers who flee poverty and persecution and are trying to make a new life here.

“I think of the struggle many people are having to make ends meet at present.

“But Glasgow also has a great resource in its people and its traditions of faith and I would hope to promote a new sense of community and compassion that would benefit people of all faiths and none.”

Bishop Nolan also said that “war is a tragedy”, as he spoke of the military action by Russia in Ukraine.

He said: “I am aware too of the worrying clouds of war which overshadow these days and I would appeal for people of faith to join me in praying for an end to hostilities.

“War is a tragedy, whenever and wherever it occurs.”