Scottish Catholic Observer

Speaking at Lourdes Grotto in Carfin during Scotland’s National Pilgrimage, he told the thousands gathered that ‘it is vital that Catholics continue to make known their views in letters to their MSPs.’

“We want to keep the light of Christ and His teachings alive in the decisions made for the future of our society,” Bishop Toal said.

Bishop Toal, who was giving the homily, also said it was a day to honour St Columba as someone who to came to Scotland as a penitent carrying the Faith.

“The spirituality of the Celtic monks often called for conversion through confession and external acts of penance and this remains a necessary part of our spiritual lives always,” the bishop said. “Perhaps penance has particular relevance for us Catholics in Scotland at present, both as individuals and as a body, maybe we should be penitent. The Church in Scotland has suffered so many setbacks in this Year of Faith. We need to be converted again to the way of the Lord and live a Christian way of life. Both clergy and laypeople need to reflect on this.”

Bishop Toal also said that St Columba continued to be an outstanding example to today’s Catholics.

“Another aspect of St Columba and his companions is that they went out to spread the Catholic Faith and St Columba was one of the pre-eminent figures in this,” he said. “Our presence here today shows that we can only do that by unity. This allows us to continue to support the Church’s mission throughout the world.

“St Columba was also a diplomat, perhaps a politician at times. Columba means ‘Dove of Peace’ and he sought peace and reconciliation among those who were in dispute. We pray for our political leaders at present as they consider the options in regard to the present turmoil in Syria.” The bishop also commented that we should seek the intercession of the saints in Scotland in next year’s vote on independence.

He concluded with the plea: “Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.”

The main celebrant, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, in his opening remarks at the Mass, said that this year’s annual pilgrimage had been renamed in honour of St Columba, to commemorate the 1450th anniversary of his arrival in Scotland.

He welcomed all who had attended the pilgrimage, including the many priests from around the country and fellow members of the hierarchy, Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti, Bishop Joseph Toal and Bishop Emeriti Maurice Taylor and Joseph Devine.

After the Mass more than 2000 pilgrims stayed to take part in a Rosary procession round the beautifully maintained shrine.

— [email protected]