Scottish Catholic Observer

Cardinal Keith O’Brien visited St Ninian’s Primary School, Dundee, last Tuesday, where he spent the day with pupils and teachers who were thrilled to welcome him as they shared memories of last September’s Papal visit.

The cardinal took time to visit every classroom from primary one up to seven, enjoy a sumptuous lunch, before celebrating Mass at St Ninian’s Church, for which he was joined by Mgr Ken McCaffrey, vicar general of Dunkeld Diocese, and Canon Kenneth McBride, parish priest at St Ninian’s on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At the end of Mass, Cardinal O’Brien presented every pupil in the school with a Papal Tartan scarf (above)—specially designed for last September’s visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland—which they all wore with pride as they left the church.

Pope Benedict’s visit fell on the feast of St Ninian, which meant the entire school visited Edinburgh and saw primary seven pupils join in the parade down Princes Street.

Memorable visits

The cardinal hoped his own visit to the school would also remain in their memories forever, while also recalling his fond memories of the previous Papal visit to the UK by Pope John Paul II back in 1982 when he was teaching at Blairs College in Aberdeen and the effect it had on him.

St Ninian’s Church was filled with parents, grandparents and friends who all savoured the special occasion.

“It was a privilege to say Mass at St Ninian’s,” Cardinal O’Brien said. “The school clearly put a lot of time and effort into their preparations and seeing all the smiling faces among the children made it a joy.

“I hope they remember my visit for years to come as well as Pope Benedict’s visit.”

Headteacher’s thanks

Pauline Veal, St Ninian’s headteacher, said that the visit of the cardinal was ‘a day to remember,’ for the St Ninian’s community.

“It was a privilege to welcome His Eminence to St Ninian’s and a great way to come together as one family as we approach the end of the school year,” she said.

Pic: Paul McSherry