On a cold and blustery day, over 4000 young people, teachers and priests braved the elements to gather at Carfin Grotto – the national Shrine to Our Lady – for the celebration of Mass.  Friday 14th September 2012 was the second occasion such an event had taken place in commemoration of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland in 2010.  The Mass also provided an opportunity for Bishop Devine to invite young people to prepare for the Church’s Year of Faith which begins on 11th October 2012.

The young people and their teachers had travelled in 77 buses from all areas of the Diocese and represented all primary and secondary schools. Prayer Cards were issued to all present and Bishop Devine’s homily reminded the young people of St Ninian, of the visit of the Holy Father, of the new Caritas Award scheme and the impending Year of Faith.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police Transport praised the impeccable behaviour of the young people and the sound organisation of the day.

Deo gratias.