Celtic will celebrate its 139th anniversary with the traditional Annual Mass at St Mary's in the Calton this Wednesday, 4 November, at 7pm. The club confirmed the arrangements on Monday, continuing a tradition that began for its 125th anniversary in 2012 and has been held every November since.
Father John Mulholland, the parish priest of St Mary's, will lead the service. He said the event "will be a celebration of Celtic’s long and illustrious history." Supporters of all faiths and none are encouraged to attend the Mass, which honours the club's founding in the church hall of St Mary's on 6 November 1887 by Brother Walfrid.
Foundation launches Christmas Appeal
The anniversary week also sees the launch of the Celtic FC Foundation's annual Christmas Appeal. The 2026 appeal aims to provide support for families in poverty, older people, women and children in refuges, the homeless, and refugees. The Foundation's work directly continues the mission of the club's founder.
Brother Walfrid established Celtic to raise money "for the maintenance of dinner tables for the children and the unemployed," he said. This charitable origin remains central to the club's identity, with initiatives like the Paradise Pit Stop, which will open Celtic Park on Christmas Day for the fourth consecutive year. The event will provide a warm welcome, a hot meal, and companionship to those in need.
The club's enduring community focus runs alongside its current strong position at the top of the standings. Celtic lead the Premiership with 28 points from 12 games, holding a four-point advantage. Their next match is at home to Kilmarnock, a fixture fans can see on the club's fixtures list. The team's record this season stands at nine wins, one draw, and two losses, having scored 27 goals and conceded only ten. Their recent form, however, has been mixed with two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five matches, including a 2-0 defeat away to Falkirk on Sunday 1 November.
Registration is now open for the Foundation's Glasgow Sleep Out, with participants asked to raise a minimum of £135 each. The event will take place on Friday, 5 December, at Celtic Park, where participants will spend a night under the stars to raise vital funds and awareness for those facing homelessness and poverty. The Foundation also encourages supporters to donate directly to the Christmas Appeal or purchase a virtual gift, such as a hot meal or a food parcel, for someone in need.
Read the full report at celticfc.com
