Today we are remembering a dear friend, Cathol Sutherland, one of the founding fathers of L'Arche Inverness, who died one year ago, on the 33rd anniversary of his coming to L'Arche. Cathol was the Highland heart of our community, often to be found in full kilted garb, walking the grounds of Braerannoch, bagpipes in hand. He was also a beautiful model of what it means to follow Jesus, and he strongly identified himself as a disciple. A welcoming friend to many of us and a much loved member of his family, we still miss his presence among us. Although we feel sad he is not physically with us, we know that this is not the end of the story for Cathol, and it is indeed also in stories that he lives on.
Below is a picture from the 30th Anniversary celebrations of our community. Roddy Ross came to play the pipes for us, and a huge ice-cream cake had just been served. Cathol was able to indulge his twin passions! As Roddy marched up and down the hall, he was followed by Cathol, marching and eating his ice cream. When I think of Cathol, I always have this picture in my mind!
Cathol's gift to us during his last months was one of gentleness and peace. Everyone slowed down around him, and it was a great privilidge to have him live his last few days in Braerannoch, where he died in his own bed, with his family around him, with other members of the house close at hand. Today in remembering Cathol, we remember someone who was really fundamental in making L'Arche Inverness the community that it is. May we be re-inspired to create and share community anew, in the Highland welcome of The Disciple.
Below is a picture from the 30th Anniversary celebrations of our community. Roddy Ross came to play the pipes for us, and a huge ice-cream cake had just been served. Cathol was able to indulge his twin passions! As Roddy marched up and down the hall, he was followed by Cathol, marching and eating his ice cream. When I think of Cathol, I always have this picture in my mind!
Cathol's gift to us during his last months was one of gentleness and peace. Everyone slowed down around him, and it was a great privilidge to have him live his last few days in Braerannoch, where he died in his own bed, with his family around him, with other members of the house close at hand. Today in remembering Cathol, we remember someone who was really fundamental in making L'Arche Inverness the community that it is. May we be re-inspired to create and share community anew, in the Highland welcome of The Disciple.
Thank you so much for your words and love of Cathol. All that you say is so true of him... I remember well the week he came to "try out" living at Braerannoch. His brother Dai phoned on the Thursday and I heard Cathol say to him: "Braerannoch is my home." He chose us; he nurtured us; he comforted us; he showed us how to be who we are called to be. And he continues to do so.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you all and thanks deeper than you can know for carrying the dream and call forward. You all are held in the depths of my heartprayer and my every breath is a prayer for each of you. Elizabeth Buckley whose heart is still in the Highlands.
Thank you so much for sharing about Cathol life,he was truly a lovely gentleman I am glad that I have got to know him when he was still here.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Cathol
Zara Ross
What a beautiful post...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. I have never had the opportunity to live with Cathol in the same house, but his presence did so much in Brae that I have always felt welcomed. I like to remember all those little moments (like Cathol bringing the water jug to the dining room high aboce his head as the priests do during a mass) and I still can't believe that he is gone. He had always been a very courageous man, so I hope he is enjoying his last adventure now. Take care, Cathol, wherever you are.
ReplyDeleteTerezie Smejkalova