Pilgrims at 'phenomenal' Youth Jubilee Mass

An estimated 1 MILLION people were at the Jubilee Mass for Youth on the outskirts of Rome on Sunday.

They included Archbishop Cushley, Fr Robert Taylor of St Mary's Cathedral and our young adult pilgrims.

Steven Jeffrey, of St Mary's, Haddington, described the experience as "phenomenal".

He said: "I was struck be the emotion...it was really encouraging to see so many young people active and devoted to their faith in the modern world.

“I really wanted to see the fullness of the church and it’s not every opportunity you get to go every 25 years, it's perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity which I just had to do."

Pilgrims from the Archdiocese outside Sant'Agnese in Rome, with Archbishop Leo and Fr Robert Taylor (third from left).

Ben Waller (24), of St Margaret’s, South Queensferry, said: "You watch footage of people seeing the Pope but when you are there mongst it and see the excitement, it’s beautiful.

"People truly love the pope and what he represents. It’s the first time I’ve been in Rome and there was no better time to attend than the Youth Jubilee."

“It was very powerful. It was lovely experience. Phenomenal.”

The pilgrims return today (Monday 4 August) following a special week in Rome for the Archdiocese's Young Adult Pilgrimage in the Jubilee.

Archbishop Cushley, who concelebrated at the Youth Mass, said: "Seeing so many young people here was a powerful witness to the vitality off the global church.

"The energy they brought was joyful and contagious, yet there was a deep sense of reverence and prayerfulness.

"It's a reminder that the future of our faith, rooted in Christ, is vibrant."

 

SATURDAY: Youth Day

Archbishop Cushley is encouraging parents to register their child(ren) for a Youth Day hosted by the Archdiocese this Saturday (12 April).

The event takes place at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB from 11:00am to 3:00pm and includes sessions for primary pupils (8+) and high school pupils.

Archbishop Cushley said: "As we prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday and the sacred days of Holy Week, I invite you to register your child(ren) to this special youth event.

"The day will be filled with games, inspiring workshops, and dedicated time for prayer.

"This event is not just about fun and learning; it's about building relationships—both with Christ and with each other.

"By attending, your child will be strengthened in their faith as we prepare spiritually in the days leading up to Easter.

"Let’s inspire our young people to live out the joy and hope of the Resurrection.

"Thank you for your continued support of your child's faith journey.

"I look forward to seeing them at the event and sharing this blessed time together."

Register your child for the event at bit.ly/youthpalm. Free parking onsite.

Palm Sunday Youth Day

Let your children know about our day of games and inspiring talks at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB on Saturday 12 April from 11am-3pm.
Includes sessions for primary school pupils (8+) and sessions for high school pupils. Register at bit.ly/youthpalm
Please ensure your child comes with a packed lunch and suitable clothes and footwear for the conditions. They should also bring any medicines that they require to take too.
If you have any queries please e-mail youth.office@staned.org.uk 

GALLERY: 'Called to be Saints' Youth Day

Young people gathered at The Gillis Centre on Saturday to be inspired and encouraged in their faith at our 'Called to be Saints' Youth Day.

The day was led by Fr Martin Eckersley (St Francis Xavier's in Falkirk) and Fr Robert Taylor (St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh) and games, discussions and testimonials from Judith Ralston (TV presenter), Sr Catherine Farrelly (Sisters of the Gospel of Life), Matt Meade (Comms Director of the Archdiocese) and Fr Robert.

The speakers joined Archbishop Cushley for a Q&A before he celebrated Mass for the Vigil of Palm Sunday in St Margaret's Chapel.

Thanks to everyone who came along!

Gallery

 

TV presenter (and former St Augustine's pupil) Judith Ralston spoke of her faith journey and career.

Fr Robert Taylor spoke of his vocational journey to the priesthood, via radio presenting and time on the high seas!

Sr Catherine Farrelly is now in her fourth year with the Sisters of the Gospel of Life and spoke about how she came to join them.

SATURDAY: Fun and faith at our Youth Day!

A day of faith and fun for children p4-p7 takes place at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 November.

Join us as we unpack Jesus the King of the Universe and prepare in the best way for Christmas.

We'll have games, activities, sweets as well as talks, an opportunity for confession and Holy Mass with Archbishop Cushley.

It takes place from 11:00am to 3:30pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Registration from 10:30am.

To attend, simply register your child with Fr Martin Eckersley at frmartin.eckersley@staned.org.uk. Please also bring along a completed consent form.

Parents/guardians are welcome to drop off kids with the completed consent form or stay and join the fun!

WATCH: Young Catholics mark World Youth Day

On this feast day of Christ the King, we also mark World Youth Day. Our video features young people from our Archdiocese highlighting some key messages from Pope Francis.

Read the Holy Father's message: bit.ly/WYDmessage2021

Join leaders of youth groups this weekend

Those who lead youth groups in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh are being encouraged to a special day of support and prayer tomorrow (Saturday). The Youth Leaders’ Day takes place at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, from 11-3pm.

Fr Jamie McMorrin, chair of the diocesan Youth Initiative which has organised the event, said: "Those who volunteer with our young people in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh do a tremendous job.

“This event is about bringing them together to share their skills and experience. We want to equip them with resources, info and encouragement and listen to how the Archdiocese can support them.”

The day features Mairi-Claire McGeady who works for the youth office of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and pioneers the LifeTeen programme in parishes. Also speaking will be Siobhan Fee of St Catherine's Parish, Edinburgh, who works for Alpha UK.

Fr Jamie added: “We have two fantastic speakers and I'm looking forward to bringing together those who inspire our young people to draw closer to Christ and His Church."

Registration now closed but spaces still available. Simply turn up on the day.