Dundee: Pope's ambassador arriving for Bishop Logan's Jubilee celebrations

The Pope's ambassador to Britain, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz, will make his first official visit to Dundee this week, to take part in celebrations marking the Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal Ordination of the Rt Rev Vincent Logan, Bishop of Dunkeld. Bishop Logan was ordained a bishop in 1981, at the age of 39 by the late Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray and was until the recent appointment of Bishop Philip Tartalgia to Paisley, Scotland's youngest bishop. A Mass of Thanksgiving to mark his 25 years as bishop of Dunkeld is being held in the Caird Hall, Dundee on Friday 24 February at 7pm. It will be attended by all the Scottish bishops, led by Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien. Joining them will be around 80 priests from every diocese in Scotland, as well as representatives from other Churches across Tayside. MPs, MSPs and civic dignitaries will also attend. Dundee West MP Jim McGovern tabled a Commons motion last week, acknowledging the contribution Bishop Logan had made to the life of the community in Dundee and beyond over the last quarter century. He said: "I congratulate Bishop Logan on his sterling work in the diocese and beyond. His hard work in the diocese is well known and it is a tribute to him that he has been in the role for a quarter of a century. I wish him a happy celebration and many more years of service." Dundee MSP Kate Maclean said: "It is a pleasure to congratulate Bishop Logan on his work in the diocese spanning 25 years. There have been many changes in that time and he has met the challenges head on. He is a great ambassador for the Catholic Church and for Dundee, and I wish him well for the future." SNP MSP Shona Robison described the bishop as "a force for good". She said: "He has an ecumenical approach and is an ever present figure at events in his diocese. He is known for his efforts in breaking down barriers in an effort to work on behalf of all the citizens of Dundee and beyond. He is a force for good and it is a privilege to know him. " Dundee Lord Provost John Letford, who will welcome the Nuncio to the City Chambers, said: "Bishop Logan has been a wonderful ambassador for the city, both at home and abroad, since his appointment 25 years ago, and he thoroughly deserves this honour. He has always shown concern, not just for his own community, but for all Dundee's citizens. He has readily given his backing to many appeals, most recently for victims of the Asian Tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake. During my time as Lord Provost I have enjoyed working with Bishop Logan and have always appreciated his wise counsel. I offer him warmest congratulations on behalf of all Dundee's citizens." The Rev Erik Cramb, former Industrial Mission Chaplain who came to Dundee in 1989 to be the Tayside Organiser for Scottish Churches' Industrial Mission said: "The threads of our lives over the years have been woven in different ways into the fabric of the life of the city, and I like to think, always harmoniously. If we think of that fabric as a tartan, his is a most vibrant thread, giving character and strength. If I were a Catholic, I'd be pretty pleased to have Vincent as my Bishop. As fellow Christians, I and my colleagues, appreciate his calm authority. In truth, we in the Kirk know that good bishops are important to building on the increasingly good relationships between our Churches. With hand on heart, I recognise Vincent as a good bishop. I rejoice with him at this important milestone in his priesthood and wish God's blessing on his future." Bishop Logan said: "In many ways, it is hard to believe a quarter of a century has passed since I first came to the Diocese of Dunkeld. There have been many highlights for me as bishop during that time, with perhaps the most memorable being the Papal Visit to Scotland in 1982 by Pope John Paul II. I shall never forget celebrating Mass at Murrayfield in front of thousands of our young people, nor the day at Bellahouston. Those really were unforgettable experiences. As Bishop, I am aware I couldn't have achieved anything over the last 25 years without the support of the priests and people of the diocese and the co-operation of many others in the local community. An anniversary like this inevitably leads one to look back over the years, and I am grateful for the support of countless people in that time. I am aware, too, that God willing, I have another 11 years as Bishop of Dunkeld. Therefore, as well as looking back, I am also very much looking forward to the challenges which we face. I feel sure that, working together, with the help of Almighty God, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can face the future with great hope and confidence." Source: SCMO