PAPAL VISIT 2010
On
5 February 2010, the Scottish Catholic
Media Office announced that Pope Benedict XVI had confirmed that he would
visit Scotland in mid-September 2010. The press release can be read by clicking
here.
Parishioners were invited to apply for tickets for Mass celebrated by the Pope
in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow on 16 September 2010.
As the date approached, arrangements were updated with 'breaking
news' which can be read by clicking here.
Ninety-nine pilgrims from Saint Peter's gathered at Ardrossan South Beach station
on the morning of 16 September. They travelled to Carnonald Station in Glasgow
from where they had a forty minute walk to Bellahouston Park. The weather was
excellent for September with sun, comfortable temperatures, no rain and a little
wind. As they waited for the Pope to arrive, pilgrims ate the food they brought
and enjoyed the entertainment that included songs from Susan Boyle and Michelle
McManus. There was a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere as pilgrims enjoyed
each other's company.
Pope Benedict toured the Park in his PopeMobile before celebrating Mass with
a congregation estimated at seventy thousand.
As darkness started to fall, the Saint Peter's Group walked back to Cardonald
Station for a train to Ardrossan. After around twelve hours away from home,
they were tired but happy at the end of a most enjoyable, fulfilling and uplifting
day.
There are more Papal Mass pictures on the Pictures
page.