Scottish Catholic Observer

THE Bishop of Aberdeen has invited the faithful to ‘give thanks for our Catholic schools’ by coming together in prayer and thanksgiving at the annual pilgrimage to Pluscarden this weekend.

This year, the Aberdeen Diocesan ­Pilgrimage, which takes place every year on the last Sunday of June, has a focus on the theme of education, and Bishop Hugh Gilbert is hopeful that the Faithful can grow together in their Catholic identity during the afternoon.

Bishop Gilbert said: “The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Pluscarden is an occasion to come together in a holy place at the heart of our diocese and to venerate Our Lady, Mother of the Church.

“This year, the pilgrimage falls on June 24, the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist. We are celebrating, therefore, the birth and growth of a child whose mission it would be to prepare a way for the Lord.

“It seems good, therefore, in what is also the centenary year of the 1918 Education Act (Scotland), to gather together children from our primary schools and other young people to give thanks for our Catholic Schools, to revive our own youthfulness of spirit and ponder our responsibilities towards our ­children.
“It is an occasion for us all to grow in Christ and in our common Catholic identity. The children will join the monks and the Diocesan Choir in leading the singing of the Mass. All are welcome.”

The timetable for Sunday will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, ­confessions and a procession and pilgrimage Mass. Dom Benedict Hardy OSB, Prior at Pluscarden added: “The monastic ­community is delighted to welcome our bishop and all the pilgrims who accompany him for this act of faith and devotion.
“This year we are standing by to receive larger numbers than usual, including many children. We pray that this occasion may be an encouragement in the Faith for all who come to visit this ancient and still living place of prayer.

“We hope that all our pilgrims will find this occasion both uplifting and enjoyable. May they depart the better for their visit, and determined, please God, to return.”

Episcopal Vicar for Education and Dean, Colin Stewart, said: “This year, in ­Pluscarden, there is a special place for ­children. If plans work out in this Education Act Centenary Year many young people from schools around the diocese will share the day. We hope, then, that the past, present and future will all be found in Pluscarden on June 24, and that, being found there, each of these dimensions will be touched by God, leaving us all richer and stronger in Faith.”

The time-table for the Sunday June 24 event at the abbey is: refreshments in the marquee from 12 noon; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (Lady Chapel) 1-2.30pm; Confessions 1-2.30pm (St Benedict’s Retreat); Pilgrimage Mass and Procession (In honour of Our Blessed Lady) 3pm.