Skip to main content
Loading…

Chamber and committees

Motion of Condolence, The Very Reverend Thomas Canon Hendry

  • Submitted by: Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour.
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-20403

That the Parliament expresses its sorrow at the death of the Very Reverend Thomas Canon Hendry, who passed away on 19 December 2025 at the age of 85; extends its condolences and sympathy to his family, friends, former parishioners, brother priests in the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the wider Roman Catholic community in north Glasgow; recognises his ordination to the priesthood in June 1966 following his studies at St Peter's College, Cardross, and his faithful service of almost 60 years as a priest of the Archdiocese of Glasgow; notes his early ministry as curate at the newly established St Gregory's Parish in Maryhill, where he helped build the community in a growing parish; further notes his subsequent appointment as assistant chaplain to Turnbull Hall, the Catholic chaplaincy at the University of Glasgow, his chaplaincy at Notre Dame High School, his service at Sacred Heart Parish in Cumbernauld, and his devoted tenure as parish priest of St Teresa of Lisieux in Possilpark from 1990, until his well-earned retirement in September 2024, during which time he was honoured with the title of Canon; acknowledges the deep and lasting impact that "Father Tommy" made on generations of families in Possilpark and surrounding communities through his compassionate pastoral care, infectious sense of humour, trademark smile, unwavering support in times of joy and hardship, and steadfast commitment to one of Scotland's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods; notes the widespread tributes and affection expressed following his death, including hundreds shared on social media, and the large attendance at his Requiem Mass on 12 January 2026 at St Teresa's, presided over by the Archbishop of Glasgow, the Most Reverend William Nolan, which reflected the high esteem in which he was held across Glasgow; expresses gratitude for the dedicated and compassionate care given to Canon Hendry by the Little Sisters of the Poor and staff at St Joseph's Care Home, in Robroyston, during the final months of his life, and honours his lifelong dedication to the people of the city, the legacy of kindness, faith and service that he leaves behind, and the example that he set of humble and joyful ministry of his community.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Bob Doris, Annabelle Ewing, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Clare Haughey, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Pauline McNeill, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Annie Wells, Humza Yousaf