Sunday 26 June saw a happy resumption, after a three year break, of the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Pluscarden. Perhaps because of this gap imposed by covid restrictions, or maybe in spite of it? the pilgrims came in great numbers. It was lovely to see so many, including lots of children and young people, and good representation from our Polish, Indian and Nigerian Catholic communities. The weather remained kind, so plenty of people were able to picnic in our grounds before the Mass, with the opportunity also for confession, or for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Lady Chapel.
Bishop Hugh chose to celebrate the pilgrimage Mass in honour of Our Lady Mother of the Church. Following our well established format, the liturgy was scheduled to start at 3.00 p.m., followed by a Marian procession to St. Benedict's garden.
No one present could fail to notice the joyful atmosphere that marked the whole event, which incidentally was extremely well organised. The sound system and video camera coordination were set up and managed by Pluscarden's own technically-minded monk. Refreshments for lunch and tea time were served in a marquee on the Nave lawn; doubling as additional seating accommodation for those unable to get a space anywhere in the Church. Five large screens ensured that all were able to watch the whole liturgical action as it unfolded. No fewer than four Choirs were deployed: the Diocesan Choir, the children's Choir, the Nigerian Choir and the monks' Choir. To be noted especially: a wonderful rendition of Elgar's "Ave verum" was sung by the children at Communion time. Also: with their portable drums and other percussion instruments, the Nigerians were able to enliven everyone's departure from the garden at the end: blending at last with the very Scottish sound of Pipes for the farewells.
In addition to those of our Diocesan clergy able to attend, the Religious Sisters of the Diocese were well represented. Their presence much appreciated by all: the Dominican Sisters in Elgin, the Daughters of Divine Love in Inverness, the Holy Family Sisters and the Community of St. John in Aberdeen, and the Community of St. Andrew in Dingwall.
Since the arrival of the Dominican Sisters at Greyfriars convent in Elgin in 2013, Sr. Anna Christi has acted as their Superior. Now she has been re-assigned by her order to a new position back home in America. Almost her last public act here was to scatter rose petals before the statue of Our Lady carried in procession. Before the conclusion in the garden, Bishop Hugh spoke words in her honour of praise and gratitude, and presented her with a gift, to remind her of happy years amongst us.
Anyone wishing to watch the whole Pilgrimage Mass may do so on our live streaming page, scrolling down to 26 June.
https://www.pluscardenabbey.org/live
The text of Bishop Hugh's homily can be seen on the Diocesan web site:
https://www.rcda.scot/homily-for-the-diocesan-pilgrimage-to-pluscarden-abbey/
