Tributes to stalwart of Edinburgh's Catholic cathedral

TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of Edinburgh’s Catholic cathedral who died earlier this week.

Joseph Gilhooley was described as a “kind and generous man” who dedicated almost his entire adult life to St Mary’s Cathedral in Broughton Street

He served the cathedral for some 49 years and was latterly master of ceremonies, in charge of all the big occasions at the cathedral, as well as sacristan, looking after the chalices and vestments for Mass, until ill health forced him to retires from his duties a few years ago. He died on Monday, aged 72.

Wojtek Gardela, current master of ceremonies at the cathedral, said: “Joseph was a very good-natured person, kind, generous and always ready to help others. He was also very playful and would be up to mischief, but putting a smile on people’s faces.

“He dedicated his life to the cathedral - every part of it will have Joseph live on in its substance in some way.

“Sadly, he had been suffering dementia over the past few years. He’ll be very much remembered and missed by the cathedral community.

“Joseph leaves behind his twin sister Patricia, who always supported him.”

At the time of his passing, Mr Gilhooley, who was a parishioner at Holy Cross Parish, was resident at Ferryfield House care home in the city.

The cathedral’s website notes that one of the fond memories parishioners and clergy will have of him is Mr Gilhooley making cheese “pieces” in the cathedral kitchen, which used to be distributed to those in need after Mass.

Archbishop Leo Cushley said: “Joseph was a kind, gentle soul who was well loved by generations of parishioners at the Cathedral.

“He will be fondly remembered by so many people across Edinburgh and the wider Archdiocese. May he rest in peace.”

Bishop Stephen Robson of Dunkeld Diocese, former auxiliary bishop in the St Andrews and Edinburgh archdiocese, also paid tribute to Mr Gilhooley.

He said: “His attention to the liturgy was legendary and his care for priests in the Cathedral House was always given with great generosity and kindness, but also with a great sense of fun - he was a great mimic of Monsignor Grady, Monsignor McQuillan and Cardinal Gray. He was a wonderful soul, full of love and service. God rest him.”

A private burial is expected to take place next week but a requiem mass will be held at the cathedral at a later date, once the building is able to open again.