The History of Dunkeld Diocese

A talk about the History of Dunkeld Diocese by Fr Michael Carrie (Diocesan Archivist).

Father Michael is a native of Dundee, where he was born on 25th July 1975. His home parish is St. Clement’s, where he was baptised, received his First Holy Communion and was confirmed. He attended St. Clement’s Primary and Lawside RC Academy before applying for seminary, as he had felt a call to diocesan priesthood from a young age. Bishop Logan thought it wise however that he went to university first, so Fr. Michael attended La Sainte Union College of Higher Education in Southampton. He studied here for three years graduating in 1997 with a BA (Hons) in History and Geography.

Upon returning from Southampton, Fr. Michael applied for seminary a second time, and this time was accepted for the Diocese of Dunkeld. He began his seminary studies at the then National Seminary – Scotus College in Bearsden and completed four years of studies before taking some time out. For the next 7 years he worked in Community Pharmacy, while continuing to attend and help out at the his home parish of St. Clement’s. The call to priesthood was still there, however, so he contacted Bishop Logan again to ask to return to complete his seminary studies. This time he was sent to Rome and attended the Pontifical Scots College while studying at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). Here he completed his theology degree and a Masters. He returned to Scotland in 2013 and was ordained a deacon by Bishop Logan on 4th July in St. Andrews’ Cathedral, Dundee. He ministered as a deacon in Immaculate Conception (St. Mary’s Lochee) Dundee and St. John’s, Perth.

On the feast of St. Columba, 9th June 2014, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Stephen Robson in St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee.