Scotland, you did yourselves proud.

The negative media regarding the Papal visit shouted so loudly at the displeasure of Pope Benedict's arrival. Yet... on the day (and I am so privileged to say I was there - what a thing to tell my children in the future!) I didn't see a single displeased face. The people came in the thousands. Bellahouston park was not filled with just children, their parents, and the mature of our society. No way! It was also filled with young, enthusiastic Catholics from all over the country - most of them waving proudly their Vatican and Scottish flags. Bet the media didn't expect THAT coming. In fact, I bet they didn't expect the whole thing to turn out as well as it did! For everybody involved!

My God!

What a joyful, and peaceful celebration it was. Everyone there may not have been there out of choice (like the younger teenagers), but they behaved respectfully for the Holy Father, which gave them the opportunity to listen, and potentially open their hearts to the beautiful words that flowed so gracefully from is gentle voice. In Pope Benedict's speech, his Holiness says "I have come as a herald of that peace to you, the spiritual children of Saint Andrew and to confirm you in the faith of Peter" (cf. Lk 22:32). He mentions some of your proud Scottish history in the anniveraries of the Reformation Parliament and the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh that marked "the birth of the modern ecumenical movement".

Then he confirms for you our Christian mission by addressing every single person: "I encourage the Catholic professionals, politicans and teachers of Scotland never to lose sight of their calling to use their talents and experience in the service of the faith, engaging contemporary Scottish culture at every level." "I appeal in particular to you, the lay faithful, in accordance with your baptismal calling and mission, not only to be examples of faith in public, but also to put the case for the promotion of faith's wisdom and vision in the public forum." He is calling us to be witnesses, even in the public eye. Our beloved Pope Benedict doesn't send you away with no support though. He helps you to realise how you can live out your Christian ways by giving you a 'home-grown' example of Christ's witness in someone you could really ask the intercession of and aspire to become: "Saint Ninian whose feast we celebrate today, was himself unafraid to be a lone voice."

For all my Scottish Seminarian friends reading this, as you already will have heard, his Holiness appeals to the bishops to lead their priests into becoming "a body of men who inspire others to dedicate themselves completely to the service of Almighty God". "You are called to holiness and to serve God's people by modelling your lives on the mystery of the Lord's cross. Preach the Gospel with a pure heart and a clear conscience." As you say in Scotland: Aye.

Although I loved every moment of his speech, I loved most his address to young people. I'm a young person myself, and his message could not have been made any clearer to us than this: "My dear young Catholics of Scotland. I urge you to lead lives worthy of our Lord (cf. Eph 4:1) and of yourselves. There are many temptations placed before you everyday - drugs, money, sex, pornography, alcohol - which the world tells you will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive." He tells us this for the good of our souls - because these things are self-gratifying and only take us further away from God. We are so worthy of Him, as long as we try our very best to restrain from sin. Polluting our bodies means also polluting our soul, whether you wish to think of it like that or not - for they are one in the same until our moment of death. For every choice we make, dear your people, we must never forget to include the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), and our souls into our decision.

"I pray that many of you will know and love Jesus Christ and, through that encounter, will dedicate yourselves completely to God, especially those of you who are called to the priesthood and religious life. This is the challenge the Lord gives to you today: the Church now belongs to you!" What a blessing that he would grace us with the responsibility of keeping the Catholic Church alive this present day. No matter how old you are, get over it. It is time to accept the trials and tribulations that this challenge may bring to us. Could even offer any sacrifices to the Lord in reparation for sins committed against God and Our Lady's immaculate heart - a heart we should all strive not to offend.

Then he addresses you with such grace, in the Gaelic language. "Síth agus beannachd Dhe dhuibh uile; Dia bhi timcheall oirbh; agus gum beannaicheadh Dia Alba". Just imagine... yesterday, the world discovered Scotland. I'm not saying that it isn't known to anyone, but what I'm saying is that, there are millions and millions of people around the world who wouldn't have heard of Scotland - in particular, those who live in destitution in places like South East Asia, Africa and South America. To certain parts of these continents, faith is everything to them, and they follow our leader in spirit everywhere he goes. Well... he's just made known to those people who the Catholics of Scotland are, and I'm sure that your reception of the Holy Father has encouraged many prayers from all over the world your way.

So, my fellow Catholic pilgrims of Scotland, you didn't just do yourselves proud, you did Catholics all over the world proud too - and you enjoyed yourselves! For all you young Catholics reading this, you might not have heard of World Youth Day - but it's exactly an event like this. Look it up because after this experience, you might want another dose of it next summer in Madrid ;)

Please pray for us who will be going to Hyde Park, that we may encounter the same spirit, joy and peace you also basked in.