Monsignor Charles Burns OBE arrived in Rome in the late 1950’s, based at the Pontifical Scots College on the Via delle Quattre Fontane. Little did he know that his time would include some incredible moments in the history of the church, as well as the story of the venerable Scottish institution in the Eternal City.
Monsignor Burns started compiling memories from his student days in the college for the Scots College magazine a few years ago. The events of those four years have now been brought together with the addition of some photographs from the Scots College archives.
Memoirs-of-Mgr-Burns
My late father died aged only 27 years left his widow Ellen Boland and three children.
My father Christi Boland, who lived in Busby was a great friend of Charlie and also of Tommy Woods. They all attended St. Joseph’s primary school which was an extension of the old St Joseph’s Church. Around 10 years ago while I was still nursing in Mearnskirk Hospital I met a new patient for the first time that night. He was very ill however when I spoke to him he said his brother was a priest in the Vatican and had been there since young. Turned out he was the brother of my father’s dearest friend. Following my father’s death my mother received scrolls from the Vatican which had been sent from Charlie. I never knew my father as only met him until ages 1+ half and Christine age one year older and Paul 8 months. It’s wonderful to hear that this childhood and teenage friend is still with us all. His brother also told me another story ( a really funny one actually which involved my grandfather Jimmy Boland the greengrocer and fishmonger who had a shop at Sheddens with wife Mary). Hopefully I’ll be able to tell it in person on day to Charlie. Best regards Kathleen