Scottish Catholic Observer

A group of 36 members of Friends of the Holy Father were on pilgrimage to Rome this week visiting places associated with Blessed John Henry Newman, who was Beatified by Pope Benedict at a Mass in Cofton Park, Birmingham during his visit last month.

The group, led by their honorary secretary Dr Michael Straiton, alongside spiritual director Fr William Wilby, were given seats by the stage near the Holy Father at Wednesday’s Audience at St Peter’s.

Dr Straiton had the privilege of meeting the Holy Father after the audience and commented on the group’s pilgrimage.

“We were met at the Vatican Museums by the Director Dr Arnold Nesselrath, who recently curated the exhibition at the V&A where the Vatican’s Raphael tapestries were hung next to the Raphael cartoons,” he said.

“We were given a private tour of the Vatican Museums where, in the restoration laboratory, we saw our gift of the laser machine that is used for delicate cleaning of frescoes  ancient sculptures and even paper items.

“We also visited Vatican Radio. The Friends have provided funds to replace a 150K watt transmitter that covers most of Europe. We were met by Sean Patrick Lovett, the director of the English section, at the Palazzo Pio, the radio’s central office near St Peter’s, who showed us around the station. The hub of all activities for Vatican Radio staff, is in the Chapel of the Annunciation, where the day begins with early Mass and ends with the Rosary.”

Dr Straiton also highlighted that the pilgrims had been welcomed by HM Ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Campbell, at his residence the Palazzo Pallavicini on the Quirinal Hill for a reception on the rooftop at Cassino dell’Aurora, where a panoramic view of a Roman sunset was enjoyed by the group.