Happiness beamed from the Tamil speaking Catholics who gathered to celebrate mass in their own language recently in Gorbals.

While Franciscan Father George has held a service regularly in Duns Scotus Church in Ballater Street for the asylum seekers from across Glasgow, it was the first time that native Tamil speaker Fr. Saverian Eugene Francis who is head of the Tamil Catholic Chaplaincy for the UK, had led the worship.

He and a group of talented Tamil musicians and singers had travelled from London especially for the occasion.

Fr Eugene told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘The Tamil community has a strong sense of family and that is kept alive through celebrating mass together. There is also a rich tradition of music.’ Added Fr George, ‘This is a way for the Tamil Catholic community to remain strong together.’

Commented Gorbals resident Francis Aloysious whose son and daughter were among the young attendants during the mass, ‘We’re happy our children can hear the Tamil language. And Glasgow resident Irene Jeyakumar said, ‘We’re all enjoying the Tamil music and song.’

By chance before the service, Bishop John Mone was visiting the church. Now retired, he knew the Tamil speaking parts of South India well during his 20 years as President of SCIAF, the Catholic International charity. ‘The Tamils are people of great faith and great courage and great tradition. I’m delighted they are worshipping together here for they enrich our community and our culture.’