Motherwell Pugin Gothic Revival architecture, Catholic cathedral, Our Lady of Good Aid, 31 Coursington Rd,North Lanarkshire,Scotland,UK,ML1 1PP

The Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Good Aid, popularly known as Motherwell Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is the seat of the Bishop of Motherwell, and mother church of the Diocese of Motherwell. History The Church of Our Lady of Good Aid, Motherwell was opened on Monday 9 December 1900. In 1948, the church was elevated to the status of cathedral after the new Motherwell Diocese was erected as a suffragan see by the apostolic constitution Maxime interest. The Scottish Catholic Directory of 1901 includes in the list of events for the year 1899-1900 the "Opening of the Church of Our Lady of Good Aid, Motherwell" on Monday 9 December 1900, the feast of the Immaculate Conception transferred from Sunday. It includes a description of the church's dimensions and principal architectural features. Music Motherwell Cathedral's organ was renovated in 2008, and is noted for its size. It was electronically modified with a new console installed. With four manuals it is the largest organ of any Roman Catholic church in the West of Scotland. The cathedral organist is John Pitcathely, who played the organ at both of the Papal visits to Scotland. The Motherwell Diocesan Choir sings at many of the major services in the cathedral and also sings at the 5.30pm vigil Mass on Saturdays. The Motherwell Diocesan Choir, which is distinct from the Cathedral Choir, is directed by John Pitcathely. Architecture The cathedral was designed in the Gothic revival style by the celebrated architects Pugin and Pugin and resembles many Catholic churches designed by them in Scotland, England and Ireland. The church originally had a high altar and two side altars. However, these and much of the ornate decoration were lost in the re-ordering of the sanctuary in 1984 in accordance with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.