It was a moment of joy as the African Catholic Community in the Motherwell Diocese, Scotland, celebrated their first Mass at St. Patrick’s, Craigneuk. The event brought together 33 participants, including five priests, one seminarian, and 27 laypeople from four African countries—Tanzania, Malawi, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. Notably, three attendees came from outside the immediate community: one from East Kilbride and two from St. Patrick’s Parish, Old Kilpatrick, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. These guests expressed excitement about joining such a meaningful initiative.
The Mass, which began at 1:18 PM, was presided over by Fr. Ricklan Maylla, CSSp, with Fr. Ray Emmanuel Ikpa delivering the homily. Although the community has yet to form a structured liturgical group, the celebration marked a humble beginning toward establishing a vibrant Eucharistic tradition, reflective of Africa’s rich cultural diversity.
Following the Mass, a brief meeting was held to strategise and plan for the community’s formal inauguration, to be officiated by Bishop Joseph Toal. The bishop had encouraged the priests to form this community, recognising that many African Catholics struggle to integrate into local Masses, leading some to drift away from the Church. Hence, this initiative is seen as a way to unite African Catholics, enabling them to enrich the local Church with their vibrant traditions and spiritual vitality.
However, the gathering highlighted the long-standing need for such a community. Members eagerly enrolled in liturgical groups such as the choir, lector ministry, and church wardens.
The hope is to build a robust Catholic community that will not only retain its members but also draw back those who have left in search of a more familiar worship experience. This new community promises to foster unity, cultural exchange, and a deeper sense of belonging within the diocese.
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