Scotland: Archbishop urges prayers for Grangemouth workers

Archbishop Leo Cushley

Archbishop Leo Cushley has called for prayers for all those affected by the closure threatened Grangemouth plant, situated in his Archdiocese and has urged those “in a position to influence” to work towards “fair outcomes” for all those involved.

The oil refinery and petrochemical plant in Grangemouth is in the St Mungo’s & St Ninian’s deanery of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. It has two Catholic parishes served by Canon Leo Glancy, with a total Catholic population of about 2,000.

Reacting to the situation, Archbishop Leo Cushley said: “I would ask the people and clergy of the Archdiocese to pray and support those affected by this crisis, and those in a position to influence positively a path that will lead to fair outcomes and long term employment for the families and communities that are already struggling in the current economic climate.”

In a statement being sent to all parishes in the Archdiocese this weekend, the Archbishop also draws attention to recent comments by Pope Francis on the importance of work for individuals and communities and the responsibility of those in public office to encourage growth in opportunities for fair and equitable employment.

Speaking on 1 May 2013, (the Feast of St Joseph the Worker), the Pope said: “Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use a metaphor, “anoints” us with dignity, it gives one the ability to maintain oneself, one’s family, to contribute to the growth of one’s own nation.” Pope Francis added;

“ I am thinking of how many, and not only young people, are unemployed, often due to a purely economic conception of society, which seeks profit selfishly, beyond the parameters of social justice. I wish to extend an invitation to solidarity to everyone, and I would like to encourage those in public office to make every effort to give new impetus to employment, this means caring for the dignity of the person, but above all I would say do not lose hope.”

Source: SCMO