PAPAL VISIT TO BRITAIN

28th MAY - 2nd JUNE 1982

"Dear Brothers and sisters! Preaching the Good News is my life's work. In addition, I now have another ministry to fulfil in the Church, as successor of Simon Peter, to whom Jesus himself said: 'I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail... you in your turn must strengthen your brothers.' (Lk 22,31). It is for this that I have come from Rome. For this I joyfully accepted the invitation of your Bishops to come and confirm you in your Catholic Faith that comes to us from the apostles." Pope John Paul at Bellahouston Park.

28th MAY - ARRIVAL AT LONDON GATWICK

The Pope arrived on board an Alitalia DC9 aircraft shortly before 8am at London's Gatwick Airport, having left Rome's Fumicino Airport three hours earlier. This was the beginning of his thirteen Apostolic Visit. Once the plane had come to a halt, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Bishop of Ardundel and Brighton, the Diocese in which Gatwick Airport is located, went on board to welcome the Holy Father.

The Pope's first action on British soil was to kiss the ground. He was then formally welcomed by the leader of the Roman Catholics in England and Wales, the late Cardinal Basil Hume, Archbishop of Westminster, and by Britain's leading Catholic layman, the Duke of Norfolk, representing Her Majesty the Queen.

"Most Holy Father, I welcome you in the name of the Roman Catholic community of this country and I do so very warmly indeed. We appreciate your presence among us ever more deeply because of the many difficulties and uncertainties which have beset the preparations for your visit... Your visit, planned long ago in times of peace, now takes place in a time of conflict. This is a very special moment in our history and in the history of our nation. In your company, and with your guidance, we now set out together." Cardinal Hume's welcome address.

28th MAY - WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

From Gatwick Airport the Pope travelled by special train to Victoria Station in central London, and was driven the short distance from the Station along Whitehall to Westminster Cathedral.

The Pope greets the clergy assembled outside the Cathedral.

The Pope celebrated the first Mass of his historic visit in Westminster Cathedral together with the Bishops of England and Wales and visiting Cardinals. Also present in the sanctuary were representatives of the Anglican, Orthodox and Free Churches. In the course of the Mass the Pope baptised four people.

The Holy Father incenses the Processional Cross. In the background of the picture, left to right are the late Cardinal Gordon Gray, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, the late Archbishop of Liverpool, Derek Warlock, in the row behind Cormac Murphy O'Conner the then Bishop of Arundel and Brighton and actual Archbishop of Westminster, and the former Archbishop of Birmingham Maurice Courve de Murville.

The Holy Father's homily, during a Mass that lasting more than two hours, was met by frequent applause form the congregation of 3,000 people inside the Cathedral and the crowds listening by relay outside.

Greeting the crowds in the piazza from the Cathedral balcony.

On a personal note the Pontiff said he had always admired Britain's "love of freedom and your generous hospitality to other peoples in adversity. As a son of Poland, I have the strongest personal reason for this admiration."

After Mass the Pope came out to the balcony of the Cathedral to greet the crowds. "We are thanking God for the beautiful weather" he proclaimed. "God bless all of you, God bless your families, God bless your homeland."

28th MAY - BUCKINGHAM PALACE

After lunch at Archbishop's House, Pope John Paul was driven through Victoria and up the Mall to Buckingham Palace for a private meeting with Queen Elizabeth.

The meeting between the Heads of the two Churches was described as 'extremely cordial'. The Pope refered to the Queen as 'Your Majesty' and She refered to him as 'Your Holiness'.  The Pope took leave of the Queen after saying of Prince Andrew, serving with the South Atlantic Task Force, "God bless your son".

28th MAY - SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL

The smaller of the two 'popemobiles' drove the Holy Father through the main gate of Buckingham Palace, past the Houses of Parliament, across Westminster Bridge to the south bank of the Thames and Southwark Cathedral for a Liturgy of Anointing of the Sick with infirm and handicapped people from across the Diocese.

"It is precisely because I have experienced suffering myself that I am able to affirm with ever greater conviction what Saint Paul says: nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. There is no force or power that can block God's love for you. Sickness and suffering seem to contradict all that is worthy, all that is desired by man. And yet no disease, no injury, no infirmity can ever deprive you of your dignity as children of God, as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ." Papal homily at Southwark Cathedral.

29th MAY - CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

Pope John Paul flew by helicopter from London to Canterbury for a special meeting with Prince Charles at Deanery House before taking part in a Celebration of Faith in Canterbury Cathedral. This liturgy was a significant gesture of reconciliation between the two Churches.

The Pope meets the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Reverend Dr. Robert Runcie.

During the liturgy the Bishop of Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury kissed the 'Canterbury Gospels' a gift from Pope Saint Gregory the Great to Saint Augustine of Canterbury, and they were placed symbolically on the throne of Saint Augustine in the Cathedral.

A moment during the liturgy when Pope John Paul reads the passage from the Gospel according to Saint John where Jesus prays: "May they all be one".

At the conclusion of the ceremony the Pope and Archbishop processed to the Chapel Of The Modern Day Martyrs where they lit candles in honour some of the martyrs of the Twentieth Century: Maximillian Kolbe, the Polish Priest who died in Auschwitz, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Swiss Lutheran Priest who died in a concentration camp shortly before the end of the Second World War, the Black Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Martin Luther King jnr., and Archbishop Oscar Romero, shot dead while saying Mass in San Salvador.

29th MAY - WEMBLEY STADIUM

Over 80,000 people attended the Vigil Mass of Pentecost with the Pope in the old Wembley Stadium. Cardinal Hume, the Archbishop of Westminster, described how the stadium had been transformed into a parish church for the occasion. The Pope entered the arena to the Pentecost hymn 'Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come'.

"I beleive in you. I believe in all mankind. I believe in the unique dignity of every human being. I believe that each individual has a value that can never be ignored or taken away." Papal homily at the Wembley Stadium.

30th MAY - COVENTRY AIRPORT

The ruins of Coventry's old Cathedral reminded society of its capacity to destory, the Pope told 350,000 people during an open air Mass for Pentecost Sunday at the Coventry Airport. He called for prayers for all who suffered in war including those bereaved by the loss of the destroyer HMS Coventry, sunk five days previously. War should belong to the tragic past and find no place in humanity's agenda for the future.

30th MAY - LIVERPOOL

Pope John Paul left Coventry Airport after Mass, travelling north to Liverpool. At Speke Airport he was greeted by a crowd of over 150,000 people.

Large crowds accompanied the Pope during a six mile journey into the centre of Liverpool. His journey to the Catholic Cathedral in the city took him through Toxteth, the scene of street rioting in the summer of 1981. On the way he stopped briefly to take part in a service in the Anglican Cathedral, where he was welcomed by the Anglican Archbishop of Liverpool, David Shepherd, who had worked closely with the Catholic Archbishop of the City, Derek Warlock, to bring Catholics and Protestants closer together in a city of deep-seated and extreme opposing views. The Pope greeted the congregation and joined them in reciting the Lord's Prayer.

Liverpool's Roman Catholic Cathedral.

The Pontiff celebrated a Second Mass of Pentecost Sunday with two thousand Catholics in the magnificent splendour of the modern Cathedral of Christ the King. He was joined by the Bishops of the Northern Province.

31st MAY - MANCHESTER

Before a Mass at Heaton Park, Manchester, the Holy Father met the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, Sir Immanuel Jackobovitz, and other leaders of British Jewry. More than 200,000 people attended the Mass and witnessed the ordination of 12 young men to the priesthood.  He reminded them: "You must learn to share the hopes and the joys, the sorrows and the frustrations of the people entrusted to your care."

The Pope travelled onto Knavesmere Park, York, for a rally with 150,000 married couples. During the liturgy they had an opportunity to renew their Marriage Vows. The Pontiff preached about the virtues of togetherness and mutual love. This event would be the Holy Father's last engagement in England. He flew north to Edinburgh that afternoon.

31st MAY - TO SCOTLAND

The Bishops of Scotland at the time of the Papal Visit in 1982. Front row, left to right: Francis Thomson, Bishop of Motherwell, Thomas Winning, the late Archbishop of Glasgow, Cardinal Gordon Gray, the late Archbishop of Saint Andrew's and Edinburgh, Bishop Stephen McGill, the late Bishop of Paisley, Colin MacPherson, the late Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Back row, left to right: the late Charles Renfrew, auxillary Bishop of Glasgow, Maurice Taylor, retired Bishop of Galloway, the late James Monaghan, auxillary Bishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, Mario Conti, the then Bishop of Aberdeen, Vincent Logan, the Bishop of Dunkeld, Joseph Devine, the then auxillary Bishop of Glasgow.

"As a result of the visit of the Holy Father to Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church would hope for a lessening of fear and suspicion and consequently an increase in understanding. A Pope in distant Rome is one thing, even when seen on television, but a Pope who is seen to walk amongst us becomes one to whom people are able more easily to relate. Every person-to-person contact does more for the cause of the Christian unity than many sessions of theological discussion. That contact is particularly valuable at the level of the Moderator and the other church leaders.

In a country where a small but vocal minority have made their opposition to the visit very evident, the most heartening discovery from the aspect of Christian unity has been the welcoming response to the visit by the vast majority. Ordinary people of different religious affiliations and none at all have frequently expressed to their Catholic neighbours their happiness that the Pope should be coming to Scotland." Right Reverend Francis Thomson, Bishop of Motherwell.  

A copy of the Papal Bulletin, prepared each month for one year before the Pope's Visit. It contained practical suggestions for parishes and groups to help make the visit memorable.

The Papal Visit to Scotland cost around £1,000,000. The Bishops asked Catholics across the country to help defray the costs.

On his arrival at Edinburgh Airport the Pope kissed the ground of Scotland. After being welcomed by Cardinal Gordon Gray, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, and members of the Scottish Hierarchy.

Greeting the crowds at Edinburgh Airport with Cardinal Gray.

The walkabout continues at the Airport. 

The Holy Father chats with some of the Scottish Bishops. Left to right: Bishop Stephen McGill, the late Bishop of Paisley, Vincent Logan, Bishop of Dunkeld, Francis Thomson, the late Bishop of Motherwell, and Charles Renfrew, the late auxillary Bishop of Glasgow.

31st MAY - MURRAYFIELD STADIUM

After leaving Turnhouse Airport the Holy Father was driven to Murrayfield Stadium for a rally with 40,000 young Catholics from across the country. He was given an emotional, enthusiastic and exuberant welcome. Cardinal Gray introduced them to the Pope: "Dear Holy Father, I bring you the young Catholics of Scotland". They chanted: 'John Paul, John Paul', applauded nearly every sentence of his address and sang 'You'll never walk alone'.

Cardinal Gordon Gray presents the young Catholics of Scotland to the Holy Father.

"It is not of primary importance what walk of life naturally attracts you - industry or commerce, science or engineering, medicine or nursing, the priestly or religious life, or the law, or teaching, or some other form of public service - the principle remains always the same: hand the direction of your life over to Jesus and allow him to transform you and obtain the best results, the one he wishes form you." Papal Address at Murrayfield.

31st MAY - MEETING WITH THE MODERATOR

The Pope drove from Murrayfield to Saint Mary's Cathedral. En route he was greeted by large crowds on either side of Princes Street, closed for the occasion.

The historic meeting between the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Professor John McIntyre and the Pope took place in the courtyard of the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall in the shadow of the statue of John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation.

In a short address the Moderator said: "From this spirit of reconciliation which informs our meeting today, we, for our part, look forward to further dialogue with your Church not only on topics of disagreement but also on joint themes on which we agree."

31st MAY - MEETING WITH CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS

From his meeting with the Moderator of the General Assembly the Holy Father travelled to Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral in central Edinburgh for a rally with clergy and religious from across the country.

The Pope delivering his address at Saint Mary's Cathedral.

The Holy Father blesses the assembled clergy and religious. He is flanked on the left of the picture, from right to left by Cardinal Gordon Gray, Bishop Mario Conti, Cardinal Basil Hume and Archbishop Thomas Winning. Behind Bishop Conti can be seen the head of the private secretary of Pope John Paul II for more than 40 years, Father Stanislaus Dziwisz, now Cardinal Archbishop of Cracow. The Master of Ceremonies kneeling on the righthand side of the picture is Father Dan Friel of Glasgow. Beside him stands the late Cardinal Agustin Cassarolli, Vatican Secretary of State.

Praying with Cardinal Gary in the Saint Andrew's Chapel in Saint Mary's Cathedral.

1st JUNE - MEETING WITH THE MODERATOR

The Pope prays in Cardinal Gray's private chapel.

On the 1st of June the Pope had a private meeting with the Moderator of the Church of Scotland at Cardinal Gray's residence. Later they were joined by other Scottish Church leaders, and during a formal address to them the Pope said:

"May I express my appreciation for your patient and painstaking work in the name of Christ. Here too we have an instance of that common witness which is both an expression of the degree of unity, limited but real, which we already enjoy through God's grace, and of our sincere desire to follow the ways by which God is leading us to that full unity which he alone can give. In following this road we have to overcome many obstacles occasioned by the sad history of past enmities, we have to resolve important doctrinal issues; yet already mutual love, our will for unity, can be a sign of hope to a divided world." Papal Address to the Leaders of other Christian Churches at Cardinal Gray's residence.

1st JUNE - ST JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, ROSEWELL

"Those who do not enjoy the fullness of what is called a normal way of life, through either mental or serious physical handicap, are often compensated in part by qualities which people often take for granted or even distort, under the influence of a materialistic society; such things as a radiant love - transparent, innocent and yearning - and the attraction of loving and selfless care." Papal Address at Saint Joseph's Hospital, Rosewell.

1st JUNE - BELLAHOUSTON PARK

On a glorious summer day Archbishop Thomas Winning of Glasgow welcomed Pope John Paul to Bellahouston Park where nearly 300,000 people from all over Scotland gave the Holy Father a tumultuous welcome. At one point during the Pope's homily the crowd, the largest ever assembled in Scotland, applauded him for nearly eight minutes.

An ariel view of Bellahouston Park.

The Papal helicopter arrives Bellahouston Park.

"You are heirs to a sacred heritage. Your forefathers have handed on to you the only inheritance they really prized, our holy Catholic faith! From heaven their heartfelt appeal to you would be this: 'Set your hearts on his kingdom'. With grateful hearts turn to God and thank him that tranquil days have been restored to the Catholic community in Scotland." Papal homily at Bellahouston Park.

The Official Entrance Ticket to Bellahouston Park.

The commemorative Mass Booklet.

Archbishop Thomas Winning presents his two auxillary bishops to the Holy Father: on the right, Bishop Joseph Devine, the actual Bishop of Motherwell, and the late Bishop Charles Renfrew.

"We are gathered here on this Scottish hillside to celebrate Mass. Are we not like those first disciples and followers who sat at the feet of Jesus on the hillside near Capernaum? With words simple and clear, Jesus outlined the requirements for admission to his heavenly kingdom. The new spirit is to be gentle, generous, simple, and above all sincere. To avoid being arrogant, censorious, or self-seeking, the disiciples of the new kingdom must seek happiness even amidst poverty, deprivation, tears and oppression. To aim for the Kingdom requires a radical change in outlook, in mentality, in behaviour, in relations with others." Papal homily at Bellahouston Park.

A similing Archbishop Winning accompanies the Holy Father as he tours Bellahouston Park before the liturgy.

The Pope waves to the crowds.

The Holy Father processes to the altar at the beginning of Mass.

The Holy Father tours Bellahouston Park in the 'popemobile' before Mass begins. The Papal podium in the background shows the assembled Bishops and Priests in their positions for the Eucharist.

"This is the day made memorable by the Lord; what immense joy for us. And for your dearly beloved Scottish homeland, I wish to adapt and make my own the words familiar to many of you: Lord, let Scotland flourish through the preaching of thy word and the praising of thy name. Amen!" Papal Homily at Bellahouston Park.

A view of the Papal podium during the Liturgy of the Word.

A moment during the Homily.

"Be loyal to the memory of those valiant forerunners in the Faith. Be diligent in handing on intact the spiritual heritage committed to you. Be faithful to your daily prayers, to the Holy Mass, to the Sacrament of Penance, meeting regularly with Jesus as a loving and merciful Saviour. Defend the sacredness of life and the holiness of matrimony. Understand your holy Catholic faith and live by its teaching. Face up to the difficult challenges of modern life with Christian fortitude and patience." Papal homily at Bellahouston Park.

The Presentation of the Gifts during Mass. The faithful are led to the Pope by Father Thomas Millar, former Master of Ceremonies in Motherwell Diocese and now parish priest of Saint Francis Xavier's, Carfin.

A moment during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Pictured with the Holy Father are, left to right: Bishop Stephen McGill, Cardinal Gray, Archbishop Winning and Bishop Francis Thomson.

Parishioner Philip Docherty and his late wife Catherine receive Holy Communion. At the time they were parishioners of Saint Benedict's, Easterhouse. They were chosen to represent Motherwell Diocese at the Papal Mass.

A young girl makes her First Communion. The Holy Father is assisted by Monsignor John Magee, Papal Master of Ceremonies. Today Monsignor Magee is the Bishop of Cloyne in his native Ireland.

"Dear children, you come to the altar today with faith and prayer. Promise me that you will try to stay close to Jesus always, and never turn your back on him. As you grow older, go on learning about Jesus by listening to his word and by talking to him in prayer. If you stay close to him, you will always be happy." Papal homily at Bellahouston Park.

Farewell, Bellahouston!

The crowds wave goodbye to the Holy Father at the end of Mass.

At the end of an unforgettable Mass they crowds sang 'Will ye no come back again?'

2nd JUNE - DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

The Pope says farewell to the then Bishop of Aberdeen, Mario Conti. In the background are Bishop Joseph Devine and Bishop Vincent Logan.

The Holy Father boards the steps of the aircraft at Edinburgh Airport.

2nd JUNE - TO WALES

On his arrival at Rhoose Airport, Cardiff, the Pope kissed the ground of Wales as a male voice choir sang 'We'll Keep A Welcome In The Hillside'. The total Catholic population of Wales is a mere 150,000, but a crowd estimated at 100,000 heard the Archbishop of Cardiff, John Murphy, welcome John Paul to Pontcanna Fields.

At Cardiff Castle he was given the freedom of the City. When he met Welsh Church leaders later, the Pope, in a common plea for unity said that he had "been happy to learn of the degree of co-operation between Roman Catholics and members of other churches and communities in Wales, and of the part played by Catholic consultors and observers in the work of the Council of Churches in Wales."

Smiling and relaxed, John Paul listened as young people with scarves in the Papal colours swayed from side to side while the sang: 'He's got the whole world in his hands'. During this, the last of his addresses, the Pope told 35,000 young people from the twenty-one dioceses of England and Wales to remain close to Christ, to love the Church, and to nourish their faith.

By the time Pope John Paul arrived at Cardiff Airport at the end of his six day pastoral visit he had spoken more than twenty thousand words in public. He concluded by saying:

"To all the people of England, Scotland and Wales, I say: May God bless you all. May he make you instruments of his peace, and may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts and in your homes. Thank you very much". Papal Address at Cardiff Airport.

MEMORIES OF BELLAHOUSTON

Mary Moffat, a parishioner of Saint Bridget's, offers her own reflections on the day the Pope came to Glasgow. 

This day is different. As I wake I sense something is in the air. I don’t know what is giving me this sense of excitement. It is a good feeling but I am still hazy – not quite awake. The sun is shining – it is just 7 o’clock. My brain is trying to tell me something. I struggle to remember. I know I have to get Stephen off to work, but that is normal for a Tuesday. I have to prepare his sandwiches.  Two rolls with gammon and one cheese sandwich. Sandwiches seem to ring a bell but I am still a wee bit in the land of nod.  I can’t think what makes me feel that today is different.  I know I can stay in bed until 7.30 but for some strange reason I don’t want to do this.  Whatever is to happen today I want to get out and meet it halfway.  I know that it is something pleasant.  I am normally on duty on a Tuesday but today I’m not working. I remember that I have been off for 2 weeks with disc trouble but today for the first time I have no pain.  I am beginning to doze off again but I daren’t sleep for I have lots to do. If only my brain would start functioning.

Suddenly I am awake.  The sun is so bright. I know its not the month of May but I feel like singing ‘The Sun is Shining Brightly’.  I smile to myself.  What would the family think if instead of being rudely awakened by my usual threats I greet them with music, I can picture the looks that would pass between them- (to say nothing of the comments).

The birds are singing a joyous chorus and I now know why I have this feeling of delight.  I know why this day is so special.  It is THE DAY at last.  Pope John Paul 11 is coming to Bellahouston – Glasgow.  The beautiful park is ready.  Even at this early hour the stewards are there.  Members of our Church Societies are making last minute preparations for the crowds who will soon fill the park.

I take time to stand at the window and look at the world outside.  A thought comes to me – If I feel this elation because the Pope is coming, what kind of feeling did people have 2000 years ago while they awaited the birth of Our Lord.

Reluctantly I come down to earth and think of the preparations for the day.  To the shop for rolls, bread, coke and crisps.  The shopkeeper tells me that there’s been an awful run on rolls and bread this morning.  “Is there a Sunday School picnic today?” he asks.  “Something like that” I answer, “We’re all going to Bellahouston”, “Oh”, says he, pretending innocence, “What’s on there?” Says I casually, “I have a date with the Pope”, Says he “He seems to like our rolls for I’ve almost sold out”.  It is not all that funny but we enjoy the banter.

Into the house and get Stephen out to work.  I inform him the dinner is ready he must heat it up for himself as I don’t know when we will get home tonight. Such neglect.

Michael and Eileen are stirring so breakfast for three.  Then organise food for the day.  A flask of tomato soup, four chicken legs, four boiled eggs, and four sausage rolls.  We just need three of everything but someone might have nothing.  (A thought comes to me, the boy sharing his loaves and fishes).  We make sandwiches.  Salad for Mike and me, gammon for Eileen.  Buttered rolls for the boiled eggs (If Mike mentions salt again I’ll scream),  crisps and coke for Eileen, tea for me.  I feel so excited yet I can still think of such mundane matters as food.  It just doesn’t seem right.

The carrier bags are packed. “Yes Mike, I remembered the salt”. I am so glad our SKOL bag is yellow and white – the Papal colours.  Why should that thought strike me? The breakfast dishes are washed, Stephen’s dinner is in the fridge and we are ready to leave.  We pick up the folding chairs and walk to St Bridget’s car park from there the buses will transport us to Bellahouston.  Everyone is smiling.  Our neighbours are waving from their windows.  I feel a pang of remorse – I wish they could all join us.  This is a day for everyone.  Alas, it cannot be so.  I wave back, smiling and nodding.  Someone shouts – “I’ll look for you on the telly”.

The buses are there and we must look for No. 6.  I have never known such a collection of smiling faces.  There is confusion everywhere, but nobody is bothered.  We settle on the bus and are joined by Bill McGreechin.  He is on his own so is good company for Michael, while I have Eileen.  As each person boards the bus there is a cheerful “hello” to each other.  No introductions are necessary.  We do not need names.  Aren’t we all of the one family of God.

Still the sun shines.  The sky is a perfect blue.  This is indeed a day that God has made.  We marvel to each other about the glorious sunshine – did “He” bring it over from Italy?

The journey through Glasgow I have known all my life – why then is it so different today.  Is it the sunshine, is it the attitude of all or is it the elation that we are experiencing?  Again I think of the multitude following Jesus.  We are travelling in comfort with plenty of food, but all these years ago people walked to follow Him.  No food or water, just a hunger and thirst for His teaching.  I feel a strange sense of something sadly lacking in me.  If I had to walk from Garrowhill to Bellahouston, Would I go?  I am ashamed to answer.

Whilst sitting on the bus, memories of stories from Bible History keep coming to the surface of my mind.  I am quite emotional.  I hope I have plenty of paper hankies with me – methinks I will be needing them – and often today.

The driver takes us as near as possible to the park – tells us he will pick us up at the same spot.  We gather our belongings and start along Bellahouston Drive. We have quite a walk ahead of us but no one complains.  I have never seen such happiness.  Everyone is glowing.  There is a real feeling of everyone being my neighbour.  We buy a flag for Eileen, yellow and white of course.

In the midst of the crowd we come face to face with our dear friends of many years, Pat and Jean Gallagher.  We are amazed.  An amazing task arranging to meet anyone, but here we are.  They are walking in the opposite direction as their corral is at the other end of the park.  There is no time to talk, we just look at one another and say “Isn’t this wonderful”.

We make our way to the part of the park where our corral is.  Our places are allocated and there is much good humour.  Each corral is fenced off.  We only know of corrals in cowboy pictures.  Someone starts to sing “Don’t fence me in”.  Some wit says “Our corral is ok but please - no gunfight”.  Everyone laughs.

We settle down on our chairs.  I bought three in Dodge City (no relation to our corral).  I know I have only paid for two, but that another story.

A lady and her family – strangers to St Bridget’s Parish – invade our corral.  She shouldn’t be here.  (Call out the Indians, this is our territory).  She is quite lost and quite excited.  Should we allow her in?  We haven’t a lot of room for ourselves.  How dare we refuse?  There is plenty of room in our Inn.  Everyone edges around to give space to the stranger.  We are all good Samaritans today.  The lady is apologetic.  Are you sure it’s alright?  “In my father’s House there are many mansions”.  I honestly feel that I am part of Bible History.

The Pope at this minute is in Bearsden and we can watch him on the screen.  How we wish he would hurry but that is unkind.  Other people have waited for him so we must be patient.

We start on our picnic lunches.  Everyone shares.  Celia has cartons of milk for her children.  She had them in the freezer and they haven’t yet thawed.  That gives us all a wee laugh.  The incomer in her excitement and gratitude opens her box upside down and rolls, sandwiches and biscuits are everywhere.  We try not to stand on them and everyone helps to pick them up.  Among all the laughter and while we help retrieve the food, I think- MANNA FROM HEAVEN.  Thank goodness there is no river running through the park for in my emotional state I would think it was the red sea and would expect it to half in two.  I really must get a grip of myself.

We have all enjoyed a lovely lunch, everyone offering share to everyone else.  I’m sure the Angels and Saints in Heaven are rejoicing at such good fellowship.

There is lovely cool water in Bellahouston Park.  A deep well was discovered when the park was being prepared for this day.  I take an empty bottle and fill it.  It is so pure I think of Moses striking the rock.  The Bible is very much alive in my heart today.

There is a loud cheer.  On screen the Pope is saying farewell to the Bearsden folk.  How sad they must feel but it means he will soon be with us.  We hurriedly pack away the remains of our lunch.  (Gather up what’s left of the loaves and fishes).  We see him boarding the helicopter which will bring him to us.  Another cheer from us as he waves goodbye to Bearsden.

Our corral is quite near the landing pad and already we can’t take our eyes from the spot in case we miss anything.  Fifteen minutes later the copter comes into view.  We cheer like mad, long have we waited for this day.  It is descending.  Someone says “there he is at the window”.  We wave and cheer.  The copter lands – the door opens – and out steps other church dignitaries, and not a Pope among them.  We look at each other a bit shamefaced.  Imagination is a great thing. 

The second copter is in sight.  We are quite composed this time.  No one wants a repeat performance.  However, it happens again “there he is, he’s here, he’s here”.  False alarm, imagination once more has run riot.

(I wonder how the person in each of the helicopters would feel if he knew he had been mistaken for the Pope).

The third helicopter arrives and we are very subdued.  We will not, definitely not cheer until we are certain.  Did I say subdued?  He has come.  The dear white robed figure is coming out of the copter.  Did I think the cheers before were loud?   I will never experience this again.  The air yellow and white with the Papal coloured flags.  Cheer upon cheer upon cheer.  This is what we have waited for.  This minute will stay with me forever.  He is now on the Pope-mobile which was made by Albion Motors of Scotstoun.  I am bursting with pride because I worked there some years ago.  (As if my typing helped to build the Pope's carriage).

The carriage is now moving along the passages between each corral. I am speechless.  I am sure that his kindly face is looking right at me.  Everyone feels the same.  I keep swallowing the lump in my throat.  I manage to say to Eileen ‘remember this day – this is history happening’.  She is just twelve years old but I hope and pray that this memory will last.  How could anyone forget this precious moment?  He smiles as he reaches each corral.  The cheers are unending.  I am so glad it is a sunny day.  (Did he bring the sunshine from Italy?).  Silly thought, but on this day of days I could believe anything.  He is indeed seeing Glasgow at its best.

He arrives at the podium to begin Mass.  There is not a sound. It is quite miraculous that all the loud cheering has stopped as though by an electric switch.  Before starting Mass, he takes time to look at us.  What is he thinking? Like me, will this minute stay in his mind forever?

Although we are some distance from the Altar, everything is relayed onto the giant screen, so everyone has a perfect view.  I know we have Mass everyday, I know that it is the same Mass, but please Lord forgive us for thinking that today there is a difference.

We have listened to the Readings, we have heard the gospel being read, we have indeed listened to God’s word – we now sit enthralled as Our Holy Father talks to us.  We marvel at his English.  It is so much better than the English “us yins talk”.  (Excuse the joke). His message is love, love God, love your neighbour.  At this moment we agree, we will never hold grudges and we indeed love our neighbour.  If only this feeling would last forever.  He also reminds us that it was our Patron Saint Andrew, who brought his brother Peter to Our Lord, and Peter became the first Pope and now we have his successor here on Scottish soil.  Once again we feel proud.

At this point I am conscious of our policemen who have been tireless in their efforts on our behalf.  There is a group of trees to my left. And I have glimpses of white shirts weaving in and out.  I have a feeling that there is a disturbance somewhere beyond the tees.  Dear Lord, help.  The policemen return, everything is alright.  Demonstrators against the Popes visit have been threatened.  However the police have everything under control.  The thought enters my head  “casting out of devils”, but I know that on this day it is an unworthy thought.  Today the demonstrators are our neighbours and I must heed the Pope’s message of love.

I once again give my full attention to the mass.  We now have the Offertory Procession.  Our gifts we bring.  The singing is wonderful.  Gifts of bread and wine, gifts we offer.  Lord, accept them.  Every voice is raised.  I look at the people around me.  Ordinary people who have come all this way – strangers to each other, but at this moment we are one.  Once again I am choked and the paper hankies have to be hurriedly used.

The Consecration, and not a sound.  It is a very moving moment.

We sing the Our Father then we offer each other the sign of peace.  If only this feeling of peace could last forever.  It is now time for each one to receive the Sacred Host.

I am amazed to see the stewards with large umbrellas – yellow and white – shielding the Priests as they distribute Holy Communion to all.  From where I stand it looks like a large yellow carpet.  A little handicapped girl is making her first Holy Communion today.  She is being carried by her mother to receive the Sacred Host from the Pope.  I cannot look I know I am ready to burst into tears.  If I just look at the umbrellas it will help to control my emotions.  I can’t think what the thoughts of that mother can be.  Her special child to be so honoured.  I must get my mind away – it is so moving.

Soul of my Saviour is being sung, my mother’s favourite hymn.  How I wish for her presence here today.  Another hymn – “like a shepherd he lead his sheep” I don’t know it but I must learn the words.  Isn’t Pope John Paul a shepherd to us all?  Another hymn – “come back to me”.  It is a haunting tune, which I must learn.

The Priest now approaches our corral, under his yellow cover.  I am sure the stewards feel very honoured.  Each time I see the men at morning mass from now on I’ll expect them to carry the yellow umbrellas.

We all receive Holy Communion while thousands of voices are raised in song.  Surely the music must be heard many miles away.  I shall never forget this moment.

Now thanksgiving normally I would say “behold oh kind and most sweet Jesus” but today this prayer doesn’t have to be said.  It is a silent heartfelt prayer, Dear God thank you.  I’m thinking of a hymn my wee children sung in St Philomena’s. “Thank you, for giving me this morning, thank you for giving me this day”.

Now we settle down.  His Holiness is about to speak.  I am filled with happiness at hearing him, but feel so sad to think that this is the end of mass and he will soon be gone.

We settle down to listen.  He thanks us for the gifts which were given to him. A shepherd’s crook, how appropriate.  A bottle of the “Craiter” a book with a million hours of prayers from the Union Of Catholic Mothers’.  A length of Scottish tweed.  Again he reminds us of St Andrew’s part in bringing St Peter to our Lord.  This is something I’d never thought about.

I am drinking in his every word.  His lovely voice, English spoken with a wee touch of a Polish accent.  We are so used to Italian Popes.  Dare we think that just maybe there could be a Scottish Pope?  Who knows.  However, I must stop this mind wandering.  Our beloved Pope is telling us to remember our Lords teaching “love everyone as I have loved you”.  How I pray that this feeling could last forever.  Bellahouston park is just surrounded by love.  I look around at all their faces with such rapt expressions.  Wouldn’t our Priests just love to see such attentiveness at Mass. (Maybe these good people are thinking to themselves ‘wish the Pope was our Parish Priest’).  That is an unworthy thought on this special day but I smile to myself just the same.

We now bow our heads for our final blessing.  Go in peace to love and serve God.  This is said every day at the end of Mass but today it is said very fervently.  The final hymn is being sung, the procession of all the priests, bishops and archbishop are leaving the altar.  The Pope is smiling and blessing us all as he moves.  Never have we sung “God bless the Pope” with such feeling.

Once again the Popemobile is moving around all the passageways and he looks for the last time at this wonderful gathering of his flock.  What is he thinking?  His face is so full of love and serenity.  Has he ever heard such singing?  How do we manage to memorise the words of all the hymns?  Someone just starts the first line and thousands of voices join in.

He is just passing our corral now.  I have never seen such kindness in a human face.  We have always accepted and honoured the elected Pope but surely there is something special about John Paul II.  We didn’t need to travel to Rome to see him, he came to us, holding us together.  A real shepherd taking care of his sheep. (Forgive us Lord if we are wrong).

I am sure he is smiling at me.  I know I am smiling at him.  We all wave, we cheer, we sing.  Surely, all Heaven is looking down on us and Our Lord is pleased with what he beholds.

As he travels towards the helicopter pad we try not to be sad.  Once again our voices are raised as we loudly say “God bless the Pope”.  This has often been sung but to a distant figure.  Today we really can say “Our Pope” for isn’t he here among us.

As he enters the helicopter he turns and gives us a final blessing.  We sing ”Auld lang syne”.  I am standing on the unpaid chair, waving my flag of yellow and white, tears streaming down my face.  Michael says “you mind your bad back missus”, I say to him with wifely obedience “shut up”.  I am ashamed to see that in writing but it did happen on this day of days.

As the helicopter flies off we sing with one voice “Bonnie Charlie’s now awa”, “better lov’d he canna be”, “will ye no come back again”.

We wave and sing till he’s out of sight, and we must leave Bellahouston and make for home.  There is not a dry eye.  But we know that we will be able to see the TV programme tonight showing all these wonders.  We came here this morning about 10 o’clock, it is now almost 7 o’clock in the evening and no one felt the day long.  Indeed the whole day has been a miracle.

 MORE MEMORIES OF THE PAPAL VISIT

Parishioners Hugh and Anne Kelly share the memories about the Papal Visit.

1982 was a memorable year for both of us.
 
We got engaged, married and moved into St. Bridget's parish - oh and by the way, Pope John Paul II came to see how we were getting on!
 
Because we were both involved in the Catholic Broadcasting Centre, Fr Tom Connelly (Press Officer for the Scottish Bishops Conference) asked us to help in a number of ways during the visit.
 
Anne spent the week before the visit on the top floor of the newly opened Holiday Inn in Argyle Street (Now the Marriot Hotel).  The Church had established it's Press centre there.  She was part of the team that dealt with Press Accreditation (See the attached image for Anne's own accreditation for the Bellahouston event), duplication and security control of all the Pope's speeches and sermons which were embargoed until just before they were delivered, and handling a myriad of enquiries from the world's press and media.