Astonishing scenes at the Scottish Lourdes: masculinity, the miraculous, and sectarian strife at Carfin, 1922–1945. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, Alana
• Is Part Of: Innes review. Volume 66:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Scotland -- Church history -- Periodicals; Scotland -- Periodicals; 282.411
• DOI: 10.3366/inr.2015.0086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-157X

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>This article examines the little-known history and, for a time, notoriety of Carfin, a 'Scottish Lourdes', re-created in 1921 in rural Lanarkshire. It explores the ways in which gendered, ethnic, sectarian and nationalist identities were negotiated and re-inscribed at this shrine commemorating the Virgin Mary and a pantheon of saints, in the context of interwar institutional insecurities about socialism, secularisation and the feminisation of religion. As a site for the materialisation and mobilisation of a robust Catholic masculinity, Carfin provided a space – outside of paid employment and beyond the labour movement – for channelling male piety, pride and self-esteem.</p> </abstract>