The Bishops of Scotland are keen to provide an opportunity for children and young people to enjoy a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience by being among the first to greet the Holy Father when he is travelling through Edinburgh on the morning of Thursday 16th September.

On the feast day of St Ninian, this event provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the story of Ninian and the foundations of Christianity in Scotland.  The characters of the great Scottish saints will be celebrated in a St Ninian’s Day Papal Pageant which will parade along Princess Street just before the Pope’s motorcade travels through the streets of Edinburgh.

There should be a joyful atmosphere throughout this event which will feature in news broadcasts around the world.  It provides a great opportunity for young people to offer their own particular welcome to Pope Benedict as he spends his first day in the UK, and before he travels to Glasgow for the celebration of Mass later that day.

When:  Thursday 16th September 10am to 2pm
Where: Edinburgh
Details available at this stage
Outdoors – city streets; some walking required from parking areas;
greeting Papal motorcade on journey to/from Holyrood Palace;
historical pageant and music in Princess Street; 
opportunity for packed lunches.

How can you inform us?

It should be stressed that, at this stage, the details of this event are merely intended to provide you with an idea of the nature of this event so that you can judge its suitability for young people of different ages.  Further details will be provided as soon as possible.
At this stage we only need to know if this event is of interest to your school.  A firmer commitment will be sought at a later date.  Please complete the attached form with your details and email or fax it to us:  mail@sces.uk.com; Fax: 0141 551 8467.
Or telephone us on 0141 556 4727.  (If the attachment is not visible, send us a mesage that you are interested in bringing in a group of xx pupils.)