Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI used the celebration of Mass in Bellahouston Park in Glasgow to urge young Scottish Catholics to avoid the temptations of the modern world.

On the bright but breezy day the Holy Father received a rapturous reception from the entire 70,000-strong congregation but said he had a special message in his homily for the thousands of school children and other young Catholics present.

Temptation

“There are many temptations placed before you every day, drugs, money, sex, pornography, alcohol, which the world tells you will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive,” the Pope said. “There is only one thing which lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for each one of you. Search for Him, know Him and love Him, and He will set you free from slavery to the glittering but superficial existence frequently proposed by today’s society.”

The Holy Father said he hoped that, by coming to know God, many Scottish young people would themselves discover a vocation to the priesthood.

Defending Faith

The Pope went on to tell those assembled that it was a ‘joy’ to celebrate Mass with them, but charged them with a responsibility to stand up to Britain’s ‘dictatorship of relativism.’

“There are some who now seek to exclude religious belief from public discourse, to privatise it or even to paint it as a threat to equality and liberty,” warned the Holy Father. “Yet religion is in fact a guarantee of authentic liberty and respect, leading us to look upon every person as a brother or sister. For this reason I appeal in particular to you, the lay Faithful, in accordance with your baptismal calling and mission, not only to be examples of Faith in public, but also to put the case for the promotion of Faith’s wisdom and vision in the public forum.”

The Pope said Scotland needed ‘clear voices which propose our right to live, not in a jungle of self-destructive and arbitrary freedoms,’ for ‘the future of your beloved nation.’

Archbishop’s welcome

Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow began the hauntingly beautiful Bellahouston Mass—arranged in part by Scottish composer James MacMillan—by giving the Pope a special welcome to the city.

The archbishop said the Pope would find in Scotland an ancient and lasting commitment to the Faith. “[We are] a community of Faith obedient to the Gospel, which has been preached in these islands for over 15 centuries before the land to our south became England, and that on which you stand Scotland,” he said.

He went on to offer a greeting in Gaelic to the Holy Father telling him ‘Céad Míle Fáilte, A hundred thousand welcomes.’

Prior to the Pope’s arrival at 4.30pm the congregation at Bellahouston Park was entertained and educated by short films from various Catholic agencies and schools as well as musical performances from Scottish singers Michelle McManus and Susan Boyle. Though many had been present for Pope John Paul’s Mass at Bellahouston Park 28 years previously excitement was highest among the many young Catholics present who had never seen a Pope in Scotland.

Footsteps of John Paul II

Pope Benedict recalled his predecessor’s visit to Bellahoustoun Park in 1982, saying it had a great impact on ecumenical relations here.

“It is with some emotion that I address you, not far from the spot where my beloved predecessor Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass nearly 30 years ago with you and was welcomed by the largest crowd ever gathered in Scottish history,” he said. “I note with great satisfaction how Pope John Paul’s call to you to walk hand in hand with your fellow Christians has led to greater trust and friendship with the members of the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and others. Let me encourage you to continue to pray and work with them in building a brighter future for Scotland based upon our common Christian heritage.”

Message for clergy

Alongside Pope Benedict on the altar were the Bishops of Scotland, except Bishop Logan of Dunkeld who was unwell, and 300 priests, the Holy Father also had special messages for both groups.

He called on Scotland’s Bishops to take special care in looking after the priests in their dioceses.

“Engage yourselves personally in forming your priests as a body of men who inspire others to dedicate themselves completely to the service of Almighty God,” he said. “Be a father and a guide in holiness for them, encouraging them to grow in knowledge and wisdom in carrying out the mission of herald to which they have been called.”

The priests themselves he called on to ‘preach the Gospel with a pure heart and a clear conscience.’

“Dedicate yourselves to God alone and you will become shining examples to young men of a holy, simple and joyful life: they, in their turn, will surely wish to join you in your single-minded service of God’s people,” the Pope said. “May the example of St John Ogilvie, dedicated, selfless and brave, inspire all of you.

“Similarly, let me encourage you, the monks, nuns and religious of Scotland to be a light on a hilltop, living an authentic Christian life of prayer and action that witnesses in a luminous way to the power of the Gospel.”

Gaelic blessing

The Pope responded by speaking to the whole congregation in Gaelic at the end of his homily.

“I am happy to assure you of my prayers in the ancient language of your country: Sìth agus beannachd Dhe dhuibh uile; Dia bhi timcheall oirbh; agus gum beannaicheadh Dia Alba,” he said. “God’s peace and blessing to you all; God surround you; and may God bless the people of Scotland.”

After the Pope left Glasgow to continue his visit in England, the huge crowd left the park without incident, tired but happy after an extraordinary day of worship and listening to Susan Boyle singing Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.

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Pic: Paul McSherry