CARDINAL KEITH O’BRIEN INTERVIEW
Monday 13 April, 10pm, BBC ALBA
Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the leader of the Roman Catholic church in Scotland, provides a fascinating insight into his work and reveals he was initially rejected for the priesthood, in the latest programme of the Cuide ri Cathy series for BBC ALBA.
Spending time with Cathy MacDonald in the grounds of his official residence, Cardinal O’Brien tells of his early life, born in Antrim in Northern Ireland before moving with his family to the west of Scotland and then through to Edinburgh. Ironically, Cardinal O’Brien used to be a paperboy to the house he now lives in, spending much of his time wondering who lived there as he threw papers over walls.
From an early age Cardinal O’Brien’s ambition was to become a priest. Despite sitting tests to enter the priesthood, he was initially denied the chance to study at the priest training school Blairs College due to a heart murmur. After being rejected once again during his teens, his predecessor Cardinal Gordon Gray advised him to go to university first and if he could survive that experience, then it would be likely he could survive the seminary.
During his career in the church, Cardinal O’Brien has attracted much attention regarding his frequently controversial views. The cameras accompany him to a meeting with Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray and the Cardinal provides a revealing account of where he believes there needs to be a ‘moral spokesperson’ for the general public, on issues such as embryo research and family life.
He explains: “Basic morality must continue to be taught and handed onto our people in whatever way possible - by our politicians, by our church leaders, by anybody in positions of authority - to say we want a more moral society, we want family life as we used to have family life with one man, one woman and children, not the sort of situations which are legal at this present time.”
Aside from his day-to-day work, Cardinal O’Brien tells Cathy about one of the most important moments in his life – his involvement in the selection of Pope Benedict XVI at the Papal conclave of 2005. He reveals to Cathy some of the mystery behind the election but he also admits he was so involved that he was unable to step back and enjoy the occasion.
However, whilst his workload can often mean long, busy days, Cardinal O’Brien says he has little problem switching-off and relaxing when appropriate. Currently, Cardinal O’Brien’s main form of TV entertainment is news programmes but admits that in retirement he may investigate new avenues such as Ready Steady Cook and Dancing on Ice!
CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 13 April at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.