SCIAF's Anniversary Mass

On Saturday, the SCIAF family - made up of supporters, staff of past and present, and our incredible volunteers - gathered at St Columbkille’s in Rutherglen, the birthplace of this organisation, for a very special Mass to mark SCIAF’s 60th anniversary. 

Some even took a short and meaningful pilgrimage from the office – through the peaceful paths of Glasgow Green and along the banks of the River Clyde. The walk together in nature and prayer, was a chance to reflect on SCIAF’s work and have meaningful conversation.

Six whole decades of serving our sisters and brothers around the world is a feat we’re truly proud of.

We know deep down in our hearts that this work would not have been possible without prayers, donations, and action from supporters across Scotland. So, thank you for uniting with us over these many years.

Together, we’ve stood side-by-side with people suffering injustice, pain and suffering due to climate change, conflict, and political instability.

Since 1965, SCIAF has grown from strength to strength:

• Empowering the hungry to grow more food 
• Uplifting women and girls with dignity  
• Opening up education for those who are excluded  
• Offering hope in the darkest of times, 

The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Brian McGee, SCIAF’s current Bishop President, past President Bishop Joseph Toal, Parish Priest Father Bernard Mournian and many other Priests who have been associated with the charity over the years.

Thank you to the children and young people from local schools who attended the Mass - St Columbkille’s, St Mark’s, Holyrood Secondary, Trinity High and Fernhill School. We very much appreciated you coming along, welcoming guests, and singing in the choir. The hymns sung, old and new, added to the uplifting and emotional atmosphere of the Mass.

During his sermon, Bishop Brian McGee spoke expressively of one strong message of the Church that SCIAF staff remember in their work and life each day: we are all brothers and sisters. No matter our circumstances, we should treat others as our closest family.  
 
SCIAF Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said: 

 “SCIAF, and everyone associated with it believes that a better world is possible – and it’s their mission to bring that vision to life. 

 “From Rutherglen to Rafah, Aberfeldy to Addis Ababa, Benbecula to Bogota, the SCIAF family is there, building a better world. Saturday was truly a joyful day where it was clear that SCIAF has a special place in the hearts of many.” 

Although the world may seem like a dark place these days, joyful events like this remind us of the hope that our work brings to communities who need it most.

Duncan MacLaren, SCIAF’s first Executive Director, who was in attendance at St Columbkille’s, said:

“Everyone who has worked for or supported SCIAF over these sixty years has been in solidarity with the marginalised, caring for our earth, our common home, and opposing oppression and injustice wherever we find it. Happy birthday and God bless all of you!” 

This Mass shone a light on how our community have helped the world’s poorest people for many decades, but we know there is much to be done, so please continue to work and pray with us to make the world a more peaceful place.