Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Mum gives thanks to kind priest
Now daughter Mia makes First Communion
A Coatbridge mum has paid tribute to the priest who stood by her when she gave birth as a teenager.
Jessica Rankin was told to drop out of school and cut out of her yearbook when she fell pregnant with daughter Mia when she was just 17.
She could have been forgiven for turning her back on her faith, but thanks to Father Eamonn Sweeney at St Patrick’s Church, she saw her baby as a blessing.
And, nine years on, Father Sweeney, who watched Jessica make her First Holy Communion, also observed Mia do the same in a magical moment featured on a BBC documentary following children from across Scotland as they prepare for their First Communion screened last night.
Jessica, now 27, said: “Watching my daughter receive the sacrament from Father Sweeney was one of the proudest moments of my life after everything I went through during my pregnancy.
“My brother, sisters and I had all been brought up in the Catholic Church and went to mass as a family every Sunday at St Patrick’s so, when I fell pregnant, I knew I had to tell Father Sweeney.
“I remember going along and standing next to my mum. He immediately said, ‘Well, a baby is a gift from God.’
“It was completely off the bat; there was no concern, more congratulations. We were taken aback because he didn’t have to think about it twice.
“He really helped my mum and dad accept what was happening and made me realise I probably wasn’t the only one who was 17 and pregnant and at least I was owning up to my responsibility.
“Father Sweeney helped me through some hard times and there was no question in my mind that, once my child was born, she would be baptised and brought up in the Catholic faith.”
Jessica, who is now a hairdresser, discovered she was pregnant when she was in her final year at high school.
She said: “People would send threats saying I was going to Hell because I was having a child out of wedlock and, wherever I went, people were gossiping and whispering about me until the novelty wore off.
“I was pregnant at 17 and half way through my sixth year. It was quite a shock.
“I went to one of the teachers for help before I told my mum and she suggested I drop out. I was so upset as I wasn’t due until well after my exams.
“I stayed on but I knew they were not particularly happy about it as it was not the right image for a Catholic school, which was proved when the yearbook came out and I realised they had cut out all the pictures of me with a bump. I had hundreds taken during my sixth year but only two head shots had been included.
“I’ve never blamed the school. It’s not their fault I got pregnant – I knew what I was doing.
“Their attitude just made everything harder and I really hope those attitudes have changed today.”
Father Sweeney’s kindness helped restore the schoolgirl’s faith in the church and, when her daughter was born in September 2010, Jessica – who split with Mia’s dad five weeks after the birth – vowed to raise her as a Catholic.
Father Sweeney, who has been in Coatbridge parish for 26 years and been a priest for 51 years, said: “The circumstances around some girls becoming pregnant can sometimes be frowned upon and they can be rejected.
“Our church, not just St Patrick’s but the Catholic Church in general, is supportive and accepting of everybody. No matter what circumstances surround a girl who is expecting, the important thing to remember is that a baby is a life, a blessing and a gift from God.
“It was a real pleasure seeing Mia make her First Communion as I saw Jessica make hers too. It’s a very special day – a real celebration.”
Mia, who was one of four girls featured in the hour-long BBC Scotland programme My First Communion which aired last night, was excited about getting to wear a big white dress but also understood the religious significance of the occasion.
Jessica, who has been with partner Darren Campbell for more than a year, said: “It was such a proud and emotional moment . Mia had been christened when she was a baby but this was the first time she knew the meaning behind what was going on.
“She had been going to classes for months and she was worried about getting everything right. She was in tears before we left the house but the minute she got into the chapel she relaxed.
“Some people see the day as a competition and the religious meaning can be forgotten but, for Mia and I, it was a very special occasion for so many different reasons. I remember my own Communion day like it was yesterday and I still have my dress.
“I did go over budget on Mia’s dress but it was worth it and it was quite simple in comparison to some of the others. We had a party afterwards with the whole family.
“It was a way of thanking my mum for everything she has done for Mia and me over the years.
“Sadly, my dad Dennis passed away seven years ago but I know he would be so proud of Mia, who he loved to bits.”
Jennifer added: “Being part of the documentary made the day even more special and it will be lovely to look back on in years to come.
“The Catholic faith will always be a big part of our lives and I will be forever grateful to Father Sweeney for being there when we needed him most.”
People would send threats saying I was going to Hell because I was having a child out of wedlock
Jessica Rankin