Greyfriars Sisters of Mercy Convent in Elgin facts for kids
St. Sylvester Church and the monastery, Elgin
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Mercy Convent |
| Order | Franciscans, later Sisters of Mercy |
| Established | 1479, 1898 |
| Disestablished | 1559 |
| Dedicated to | Saint Sylvester |
| Diocese | Aberdeen |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Alexander II of Scotland |
| Site | |
| Location | Elgin, Moray |
The Greyfriars Sisters of Mercy Convent in Elgin, Moray is a special place. It is one of the few Catholic monasteries built in Scotland after the Scottish Reformation in 1560. This was a big change in Scotland's religious history.
A Long History
The First Monastery
Long ago, in 1479, a Franciscan monastery was built here. It was on the same spot where an even older monastery once stood. A Bishop named John Innes of Innes had founded that first monastery.
The Franciscans are also known as Greyfriars. King Alexander II brought this group to Scotland in the 1200s. They came to Elgin in the 1400s. However, in 1559, during the Scottish Reformation, this Franciscan monastery was closed down. Its property became public land.
Changes Over Time
After the monastery closed, its buildings were used for different things. In the 1500s, they became a court and a business office. Later, in 1648, the King family bought the monastery buildings. They lived there for 120 years. During this time, the monastery's church became an Episcopal church. In 1818, the Stewart family bought this home.
The Sisters of Mercy Arrive
The Sisters of Mercy bought the old, ruined monastery buildings in 1891. They also bought the St. Sylvester Church. From 1896 to 1908, these buildings were repaired and made new again. This was possible thanks to money from John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquis of Bute and his son Colum Crichton-Stuart. An architect named John Kinross designed the restoration work.
On October 4, 1898, a special event happened. The first Catholic Mass since the Reformation was held in the monastery church. This was a very important moment for the Catholic community.
For many years, until the early 2000s, the Sisters of Mercy ran a kindergarten and a primary school here. Today, the monastery is home to the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.
See also
- Catholic Church in Scotland
- List of monastic houses in Scotland
