Scottish Catholic Observer

Preparations for World Youth Day pilgrims from the Galloway Diocese reached new heights last Sunday at St Margaret’s Cathedral in Ayr.

Bishop John Cunningham welcomed the Scottish Youth Cross and 37 young people going to WYD in Madrid this month to the cathedral. At the Mass the pilgrims heard the Liturgy of the Word, before receiving a special Blessing and individual crosses from the bishop ahead of their departure for Madrid in time for the opening Mass of World Youth Day on August 16.

Pilgrim leader

Fr Stephen McGrattan of St John’s, in Cumnock, a veteran of several previous World Youth Days, will be leading the pilgrims for the first time. He told the Scottish Catholic Observer of his hopes for the young people from Galloway.

“I hope that the experience nurtures their Faith and that they see that there are young Catholics from all over the world living and practicing their faith,” he said.

“Hopefully they will see that it is possible to live in peace and harmony with people throughout the world and will be encouraged to be more active in their Faith when they return.”

The pilgrims will depart Galloway by bus for Madrid, a journey which will see them cross the Bay of Biscay as they make their way into Northern Spain before arriving in Salamanca, where they will join other Scottish pilgrims at the Scots College before embarking on the final leg of their journey to Madrid.

As they travel across the continent, the young people from Galloway will have responsibility for transporting the Scottish Youth Cross safely to their rendezvous with other Scottish pilgrims in Salamanca before making the onward journey together for the celebration of WYD2011.

Path of youth

During Sunday’s service, two of the young people told their fellow pilgrims of their journey in Faith that started them along the road of their pilgrimage to Madrid. Caoimhe Hunter Blair and Owen McDowall spoke of their hopes both for themselves and for the whole group making the journey from Galloway.

Among the congregation were the family and friends of those travelling to Madrid along with some of their many supporters, who demonstrated their commitment to the cause through their fundraising efforts, which have allowed such a large group from the diocese to travel to Spain.

“We have had wonderful support from everyone,” Fr McGrattan said.”The response was excellent. Very generous.”

Pic: Paul McSherry