The Papal Visit A few gripes

It has been interesting to read the newspaper coverage of the Pope's visit, and to to have watched the special TV programmes.

I watched the coverage on Sky News, and I thought it very good.

The public response has been as many of us had predicted. Countless complaints about wasting taxpayers money. Of course it was a State Visit. The Pope was invited. The State picks up the bill. And funnily...catholics pay taxes too. And my taxes pay for visits of people whose views I do not share, and for policing demonstrations whose aims I do not share.

I don't remember this fuss when Ceausecu came here for a state visit.

And then there were the polls showing how many catholics did not agree with the Church's teaching on contraception, or abortion, or homosexuality. And how many catholics disobey these teachings.

Well, if you join a club or an association, you have to agree to keep the rules of that body. If you don't, you will have to leave.

Same for the Church. It has rules. Commandments.

We are not a pick-and-mix Church. You must be guided by your conscience in all things, but a properly formed conscience. You have to consider carefully everything the Church teaches in matters of faith and morality. You cannot decide to ignore those teaching which cause you difficulties or which do not fit into your life style, or which are inconvenient.

The Truths which the Catholic Church teaches have been taught since the beginning of the Church. They will not be changed to adapt to modern life. What is wrong is wrong. If 90 out of a 100 people say it is OK to shove your granny off a bus....well that does not make that action a good one or a correct one.

And of course, Pope Benedict pointed out in his speeches, that today in Britain, people are being forced to act against their consciences. The force of Law leading to the closure of Catholic Adoption Agencies because they could not in conscience allow same sex couples to adopt children is just one example.

I find it hard to understand how Tony Blair could lead a Government that made such Laws, and then become a Catholic! (And I know that he was receiving Holy Communion before he converted.)

And it is on record that he and his wife do not agree with the Church in its teachings on morals, and would wish the teachings to be changed. And yet this couple are portrayed as leading Catholics. Things like that I find scandolous. Like Catholic MP's voting for abortion and the Church does not speak out against them.

Sadly, there has sometimes been the impression that in the Church,there are one set of rules for the rich and famous, and one for the mere mortals.

The Church is made up of human beings. And none of us are perfect. Not even the Pope. So I suppose I should not be surprised when there are such inconstencies.

I should heed the Gospel, and instead of worrying about the splinter in my brother's eye, I should concentrate on the plank in mine. I'll shush now.

More pics from Beallahouston.

Pope Benedict In England

The sun continues to shine as Pope Benedict carries out his duties in England.

The Mass fromWestminster was a wonderful celebration of the Mass with beautiful music. The Latin Canon of the Mass just sounds so right.

His joy at the reception from the youth outside after Mass was so clear to see on his face! And the delight of the young man who spoke for the rest was wonderful. Touching to see the Holy Father speak a few personal words to him.

I recognised Father Jason Jones from Cardigan at the short ceremony in front of the statue of Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan. I am sure the Welsh must be disappointed that the Pope could not be in Wales.

The visit of the Holy Father has exceeded all our hopes for the journey.

Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland put it so precisely..." A triumph over cynicism."

Let us hope that the fruits of this visit are seen in the daily lives of all Catholics.

Let us also hope that our Bishops will encourage the use of the Tridentine Mass at least once a month in every Parish, so that all can experience the sacredness of that Rite, a Mass offered to God, with the priest leading his people in prayer.

Pope Benedict at Bellahouston Park Glasgow

For the first three days of this week, it rained and rained and the wind blew.
On Thursday the sun shone and the sky was blue.
Pope Benedict arrived in Edinburgh, met the Queen, and later drove through to Glasgow to celebrate Holy Mass.
We arrived at Bellahouston around 12.30pm. We had a walk of about a mile and a half from the temporary bus station.
The park was already well filled, with every one without demur going to their allotted zones, even when, like in ours, the Altar was out of view. But there were 2 large screens.
As the hours went by, there was music from Susan Boyle, the Strathclde Police Pipe Band, hymn practises, school choirs, and audio visual presentations by numerous groups.
Everywhere flags were flying...Papal flags and the Scottish Saltire.
As 5pm grew nearer, the tension grew. Then we saw on the large screen the arrival of Pope Bendedict from Edinburgh.
He moved to the Pope Mobile and toured the park to a tremendous ovation from all present.
Finally he was back at the altar area. An annoucement was made asking us to prepare for Mass. Immediately, every single person ceased talking. Everyone became still and silent. It was awesome to be in the midst of 70 000 people, and to hear not a voice and to see everyone so still.
I wonder what the Police and Security staff made of that.

Arcbishop Conti gave a wonderful welcome to the Pope, outlining succintly the Catholic Heritage of Scotland. How apt we were celebrating the feast of St Ninian.

The Mass was said in English, Gaelic and Latin. The canon of the Mass was in Latin. It added so much to the dignity of the occasion,and not at all contentious as some had claimed it would be come. One priest wote to the newspapers that it was because there was Latin, many catholics were staying away form the event!

Throughout the Mass, the entire congregation of 70 000 kept still and silent, except to join in the hymns and responses. Many stood, many knelt, and many sat in their portable chairs.
Even at the distribution of Holy Communion, as people move around, not a voice was heard.
And as the Mass progressed and as the sun began to sink, the chill began to be felt from the wind which had blown all day.
But it didn't bother us too much. We had our the Holy Father amidst us!

After the Final Blessing and dismissal, the crowd roared their goodbyes as the Pope left for Glasgow Airport for his journey to London.
Then we pilgrims began our journeys home, our mind and souls uplifted by the events of this glorious day.

Finally, praise must be heaped on those who made all the arrangements ; Stagecoach Buses ; Glasgow City Council ; The safety Marshalls ; Strathclyde Police - visible all aound us - smiling and cheerful and helpful - and keeping watch on the steep wooded hill above the Park.
Thankyou all. Thankyou Holy Father. Thankyou all the Pilgrims for the respectful way you all behaved throughout the whole of this unforgettable day.

Fort William

This morning we left for Fort William. We intended to have a coffee at Poppy's garden Centre near Connal. The food loooked lovely, but despite the fact there were only 3 tables occupied, no one served us. One waitress was chattin to the folk at the table beside us, while the other just disappeared. As we upped and left after waiting and waiting, they tried to apologise, each saying the thought the other was dealing with us.

We headed across the Connel Bridge, which was originally a railway bridge. Then it was on through places like Appin, to the Bridge at Ballachulish, and then on into Fort William.

It was a scenic and enjoyable journey, with little traffic.

We spent a couple of hours there and then headed back along the same route. We stopped for a coffee and a bun near Ballachulish, and then stopped later to take photos of Castle Stalker.

We went on past the holiday house to have a pub meal at a nearby pub. It was ok, but not the cleanest pub I have been in.

Photos show Fort William, Ballachulish Bridge and Castle Stalker.