Parishioners from across eastern Perthshire gathered in St Stephen’s Church, Blairgowrie, on Friday evening to celebrate the joint anniversaries of two long-established Catholic communities: the 175th anniversary of St Stephen’s Church, Blairgowrie, and the 125th anniversary of St Luan’s Church, Alyth.
The anniversary Mass was celebrated in St Stephen’s Church and brought together parishioners, clergy and guests to give thanks for generations of faithful witness in both communities.
The Gospel was proclaimed by Fr Yohanna Ishaya, of Perth, before the homily was delivered by Bishop Andrew McKenzie, who reflected on the deeper meaning of church buildings as places where faith is lived rather than simply structures of stone.
Describing both churches as places rich in memory, the Bishop said that if their walls could speak they would tell countless stories of prayer, sacrifice and dedication. Yet, he stressed, the true significance of a church lies not in its architecture but in the people who gather there.
“These buildings derive their dignity as places where Christ gathers his people, where his word is shared and his Eucharist is celebrated,” he said. “Tonight we celebrate not just our buildings, but God’s people and the faith that inspires us and binds us together.”
Reflecting on the long history of both parishes, Bishop McKenzie paid tribute to the generations of priests and parishioners who had built up the Catholic faith in Blairgowrie and Alyth. He also acknowledged those who continue today to care for the churches and sustain parish life.
He noted that over many decades the churches had been places of both joy and sorrow, where families had gathered to celebrate baptisms, marriages and anniversaries, and to seek comfort in times of loss.
Drawing on the Gospel account of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, the Bishop encouraged parishioners not simply to look back with gratitude, but to look forward with confidence. Just as the woman became a joyful witness to Christ after her meeting with Jesus, today’s Christian communities are called to carry the Good News beyond the church walls.
“The community that is shaped here must look to the future with confidence,” he said. “The Holy Spirit stirs in this place, calling for a new evangelisation and promising a new outpouring of his gifts, for God has great plans for his people.”
As the anniversary celebrations concluded, parish priest, Fr Gregory Umunna made presentations to a number long serving parishioners. Bishop McKenzie invited the congregation to give thanks for the faith handed on through successive generations while remembering those who had worshipped in these churches before them and now rest in God’s eternal peace.
The joint celebration marked not only significant milestones in the histories of St Stephen’s and St Luan’s, but also renewed the shared commitment of both parish communities to continue proclaiming the Gospel and serving their local communities with faith, hope and charity for generations to come.
Mission statement
We are a welcoming and participating Catholic community made up of St Stephen’s Blairgowrie and St Luan’s Alyth. As a parish family of God’s people, we strive to be led by the Spirit to be strengthened by a bond of love and unity, to be guided by the gospel message of Christ and to be refreshed and nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ at the Eucharistic table. Enriched by a vibrant people of God from diverse backgrounds and supported by many gifts employed in various ministries and stewardship, we journey together through life as a community and so, look out for one another.