Pope Francis has sent a message of encouragement to 1,000 young people in Scotland who are the recipients of the Caritas Award, praying that they “may continue to courageously witness to the love that God has for every individual person.”

The Caritas Award, which takes place in Glasgow on Saturday 31st May 2014, is being given to students of Catholic schools throughout Scotland who have volunteered in their schools and faith communities, supporting others in practical ways, and by demonstrating that these actions are borne from their faith in God.

Each young person will be presented with a medal and a certificate by various distinguished guests on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

Among those presenting the awards at the Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, along with six Scottish bishops, will be, Rt. Rev. John Chalmers, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, and the Rt. Hon. Frank Mulholland Q.C., the Lord Advocate.