Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Papal Nuncio to the United Kingdom, told Catholics who support Carfin Grotto to be ‘proud of your past and be very fervent in your present’ calling the Grotto a ‘sign of Faith’ for the world.’
The Papal Nuncio celebrated the centenary Mass of Thanksgiving at Carfin Grotto, which last month was declared Scotland’s national Marian shrine.
The Mass was celebrated alongside Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow, Bishop Brian McGee of Argyll & The Isles, Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, and Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell.
“[It is] famous not because it was built 100 years ago, but because it is the place of Faith where people gather and continue to unceasingly pray to the Lord and ask for the protection of the Virgin,” he said.
“Thank you for this witness. I want to thank you on behalf of Pope Francis,” he said.
“Remember your ancestors. Remember their teachings. Remember their life, and try to continue this witness as long as the Lord decides that you remain pilgrims of this earth.”
Last month an estimated 30,000 Catholics flocked to Carfin Grotto to see the relics of St Bernadette. It is believed to have been the largest gathering of Scottish Catholics since the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.