Scottish Catholic Observer

Gaynoll Craig, who was the diocese’s World Youth Day Krakow 2016 co-ordinator, received the award from Bishop Hugh Gilbert, who thanked her for her work with young Catholics across the diocese—particularly in preparing for World Youth Day.

Aberdeen has no diocesan youth officer, and Bishop Gilbert said Ms Craig’s efforts had ensured there was a focus for young Catholics in the diocese.

“Gaynoll has done much of the work of a youth officer and has shown great and consistent dedication, with all the responsibility that entails,” he said. “She was clearly very touched to receive the award, which came as a surprise to her.”

Bishop Gilbert made the presentation in St Thomas’, Keith, at the end of a meeting of many of those who were involved in World Youth Day planning and activities, and came out of the blue for its overjoyed recipient.

“In disbelief it dawned upon me that I was receiving a papal award,” Gaynoll said. “It was so unexpected and I had absolutely no idea, but I am extremely honoured, grateful and privileged to accept the award in recognition of my voluntary roles within the Church—and on behalf of others who have shared in my work as diocesan World Youth Day co-ordinator and Bishops Conference Catholic Youth Services Scotland representative, along with my work for the Mary’s Meals feeding programme in Liberia, Malawi and Haiti.”

With a lack of focus for young Catholics in the diocese for many years, Ms Craig’s and others now feel that things are changing in Aberdeen as youth ministry begins to bear fruit after the hard work of many ordinary Catholics across parishes there.

“The geographical nature of the diocese and the distance for young people to travel has meant that isolation from other young Catholics is a huge problem,” she continued.

“How things have changed. Much is now on offer for young Catholics in the diocese. The Bishops Conference Catholic Youth Service Scotland has established World Youth Day Palm Sunday and World Youth Day Pilgrimages, and this year it is at St Ninian’s Cave, Whithorn. Next year it is to Iona Abbey.

“Also, the international World Youth Day with Pope Francis in Panama City will allow young adults to celebrate their faith in a dynamic way, and that experience will stay with them throughout their lives. Many have found their vocation after attending previous World Youth Days.  We are hugely blessed!”

Bishop Gilbert spoke of Ms Craig’s huge contribution to the Church, and told of how Pope Francis acknowledged her inspiration, courage and determination in all she has done, sometimes in difficult situations.

“In youth ministry there is something beautiful about seeing the light of the Holy Spirit shinning out from the eyes of young people as they ‘get it’ and encounter Jesus Christ as they make their way in the world,” she concluded. “Watching their confidence grow as they discover the contents of the treasure chest that is their Catholic faith fills me with joy.”

—This story ran in full in the September 30 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.