St Mary's has been welcoming people through its doors since the 1860s. During the course of the year people come from all over the world, as individuals or members of groups. It is a truly international, multi-cultural, ecumenical place that offers visitors the opportunity for relaxation, renewal and rest.
St Alphonsus Liguori, who founded the Redemptorists in 1732, was passionate in opening up the devotional and prayer-life of the Church to ordinary, poor people, especially those who seemed to matter least in society. This was a balanced pastoral approach. He wrote many books and devotional works which have shaped and enriched the spirituality of both clergy and laity alike.
We continue this very important work today at St Mary's. Throughout the year, we welcome people from all walks of life who wish to come and spend time in prayer and meditation, in study and renewal.
We also offer a full programme of courses and retreats throughout the year. Our two short sabbatical courses are very popular and our retreats dealing with the theme of self-esteem offer many a whole new understanding not only of their relationship with God, but how they understand their own role in the ongoing task of proclaiming the Gospel.
As well as these courses and retreats, we work with parish groups who come for weekend retreats. Another significant development over the past decade or so has been our relationship with other Churches in Scotland. St Mary's plays a vital role in their life and mission too as we act as hosts for their conferences, workshops and retreats.
The building itself is a fine example of neo-gothic revival of the nineteenth century. Even though it was built as a male monastic dwelling place, it is today a very pleasant and comfortable building to stay in.
As a centre for Alphonsian Spirituality, we have a very fine Redemptorist research library which contains: the complete works of St Alphonsus - in various languages; many of the sources Alphonsus would have consulted himself in his own study and research; and a large quantity of Redemptorist writings down through the centuries