Sunday, August 21, 2011

Papal view seats set benchmark for city

A new seating area has been created to mark the visit to Glasgow last year of Pope Benedict XVI. 

The Pontiff celebrated Mass in Bellahouston Park in September in front of around 65,000 pilgrims. 

Two carved benches and a circular paved area have been created in the South Side park just yards from the site of the Pope’s altar. 

A granite slab has been engraved with part of the homily the Pontiff gave that day, first in Gaelic and then in English. 

It reads: “God’s peace and blessing to you all. God surround you and may God bless the people of Scotland.”

Around the outside, stones commemorate the day with the words ‘Pope Benedict XVI – Bellahouston Park – September 16, 2010 – St Ninian’s Day’ inscribed on them.

Scottish oak benches are carved with the words ‘heart speaks unto heart’ which was the overall theme for the Pontiff’s UK visit.

The words are taken from the coat of arms of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the Victorian theologian who was beatified by the Holy Father.

Those who visit the park can sit on the benches to enjoy the save view as Pope Benedict.
City council leader Gordon Matheson said: “What a wonderful way to honour the Pope’s visit to our city.

“The beautiful oak benches have a fantastic vantage point over the park and while sitting there, people will have some sense of what it must have been like to look out over the tens of thousands of people who came here to worship that day.

“The Papal visit has not only had a marked effect in terms of boosting the city’s reputation and adding to our economy, but for the people who attended on the day it will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It is a fitting reminder of the historic visit.

Archbishop of Glasgow Mario Conti said: “I am delighted the city council has created this permanent space to commemorate that historic afternoon last September when the Holy Father came to Glasgow.

“The choice of words, taken from his sermon, is very apt and the setting is splendid. I am sure the commemorative area will be very well used and become a focal point in years to come.”