On the 21st of May RE department ventured out of school on pilgrimage to the shrine of Venerable Margaret Sinclair. We were thrilled that pupils and staff from All Saints’ Secondary, John Paul Academy and Kilgraston School were able to join us for what was our second pilgrimage to Edinburgh.
Pupils were greeted with refreshments by the wonderful team at ST Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh before enjoying a fascinating presentation on the history of the area, the life of Margaret and the history of Hibs football club!
A prayer walk around the church and museum followed and pupils had the opportunity to learn about the building, pray, light candles and sing hymns. Our young people were on fine form an d entered into the experience with reverence and attentiveness. The life of Venerable Margaret is an example of how we can all be holy withing out state in life if we give our lives to God in daily prayer and receive His grace in the sacraments.
After a short break and some fresh air, the group gathered for Holy Mass offered by our school chaplain Fr Monaghan. The music was that which Ven. Margaret would have heard, the chant of the church and pupils knelt to receive Jesus at the same altar rail as she did daily. A May Procession to Our Lady’s altar followed and pupils prayed the rosary and laid flowers for the Blessed Mother as we sang ‘Bring flowers of the rarest.’
After enjoying lunch outside in the sun, Mr Hughes gave us a guided tour of Margaret’s street and the Royal Mile and pointed out the many historical, cultural and religious events which have taken place there.
We are incredibly grateful to the team of volunteers at ST Patrick’s who went to so much effort to make the day so meaningful and to keep the pupils fed and watered! Their generosity and personal witness evidenced their own faith and devotion to Our Lord and His saints. The atmosphere on the bus was a testament to how much everyone had enjoyed the day and conversations with pupils have confirmed that our pilgrimage gave them much needed time for prayer as well as the opportunity to be inspired by an ordinary young woman who gave her all to Jesus and, who we are sure, is interceding for us in the nearer presence of the the Most High.
