Scottish Catholic Observer

Archbishop Leo Cushley was joined by young Catholics who are highlighting the social and spiritual benefits of getting together on pilgrimage in a new social media campaign.

The online campaign has been launched to boost the youth pilgrimage, which will take place in St Andrews on Saturday August 31, and features young people from the hosting archdiocese, St Andrews & Edinburgh.

“For me, it’s a great way to form a network of Catholic friends who can give you support in your daily life and where you can be yourself,” Victoria Stephens, a parishioner at St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh, said of the event.

Ciaran McGonigle, right, from Our Lady & St Bridget’s Parish in West Calder, added: “Journeying together on pilgrimage deepens our understanding of the path that God is calling us to.”

Building on Faith

Also on board to promote the pilgrimage was the assistant priest at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, Fr Jamie McMorrin.

He noted that the national youth pilgrimage would be a chance for young people to meet other young Catholics and to become more involved with their Faith.

“People have been coming to St Andrews on pilgrimage for more than a thousand years,” he said.

“The young people who are the future of the Church in this country are keeping this historic tradition alive today.

“It’ll be a great way to meet other young Catholics, have a lot of fun and, most importantly, draw closer to Jesus who calls us all—like Andrew—to follow Him.”

‘uplifting’ experience

Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh said: “Young people are looking again for an authentic expression of the Catholic Faith that is true to its roots in Scotland and is in communion with the universal Church.”

“St Andrew is one natural and historic link we have with all of that, and so I think we are going to have an uplifting, enriching experience in St Andrews. It’ll be an adventure too, as all pilgrimages are!”

The National Catholic Youth Pilgrimage is for people aged 12-30 and begins at St James’ Church Hall, The Scores, at 12pm. Mairi-Claire McGeady, of Glasgow Archdiocese’s RCAG Youth, said: “Children from P7-S3 are welcome to join the Dominicans of St Cecilia and RCAG Youth in following in the footsteps of our inspiring Scottish Saints as we explore the beaches, churches and ruins in St Andrews on 31 August with young people from all over the country!”

Pilgrims will be welcomed by Archbishop Cushley before a visit to historical sites and churches, and Mass will be celebrated in the grounds of St Andrews Cathedral.

For more details, visit www.scottishcatholicyouth.com