Acts of 10th European Assembly of Lay Dominican Fraternities
The Lay Dominicans in Glasgow, Scotland, were honoured by the visitation last weekend of Fr Rui Carlos Antunes e Almeida Lopes OP, General Promoter of the Laity, who travelled from Santa Sabina in Rome at the invitation of the fraternity.
After concelebrating Mass on Saturday morning, Fr Rui gave a most interesting talk to the group, entitled Dominican laity and friars in mutual enrichment, in honour of St Catherine of Siena, whose feast day is the 29th of April.
Fr Rui’s talk provoked lively discussion about the role of the laity in the church and how we might better live out our calling as followers of Christ in the spirit of St Dominic. There then followed a most constructive business meeting, during which advice was given on a number of constitutional matters of mutual concern. This done, all repaired to a city-centre restaurant for lunch, at which the Portugese friar sampled Scottish cuisine, including his first taste of haggis, which was, reportedly, much enjoyed!
At Mass on Sunday, in St Columba’s Parish, the liturgy was enriched by some beautiful sacred polyphony and plainchant under the baton of the choirmaster and composer James MacMillan, a life-long supporter of the Dominicans.
On behalf of the Lay Dominicans of Glasgow I offer sincere thanks to our brother Dominican Rui for being so generous with his time. His gentle presence reinforced our sense of place within the worldwide Dominican family and has helped inspire us all, as we live out our lives in the world, called by St Dominic to share the fruits of our contemplation.
Author: Michael O’Duffin, President of the Glasgow Fraternity.
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