Once again this year our Bishop and Brother Hugh led the annual Aberdeen Diocesan Pilgrimage to Pluscarden. The weather was kind to us: a fair day, without either hot sunshine or rain, enabling many to picnic in our grounds before the Mass, in festive atmosphere. Pilgrim numbers were perhaps around 500. About 20 clergy participated, with around 12 servers. Once again we had the Diocesan Choir, a young people's Choir, the African Choir, the monastic Choir, and at the end also a Syro-Malabar Choir, with its own instruments; and an airing of Scottish bagpipes also was not to be omitted! Two large marquees held the overflow congregation, linked by sound and video to the Mass in Church: all as managed by Pluscarden's own live-streaming monk.
As usual grace abounded, with many confessions taking place before the Mass, and many friendships made or renewed.
This year Bishop Hugh wanted to highlight the role and importance of liturgical readers, so a brief Talk on that subject was given before the Mass began.
The Greek Catholic Ukranian Chaplain concelebrated, and gave a speech at the end of Mass. He noted how so many different groups and nationalities were represented in our Congregation, all united in one common faith, and one common celebration. This is better than being at war with one another! On behalf of his community resident in Scotland, he presented a Ukranian Icon to Bishop Hugh, while begging our continued prayers for his country and people at home.
Then all moved in procession to St. Benedict's garden for the usual Marian devotions. With so many people filing in, the (expanded) Litany of Loreto was not sufficient to fill the time of that procession, so was augmented by a series of other Marian Antiphons and Chants.
Then after the rosary and final Blessing, the African Choir again launched forth, helped by portable drums, and enhanced by African dancing.
The whole event was well organised and managed, with very many helpers involved; notably Knights of St. Columba as ushers, car park attendants, furniture movers and general assistants; a team of volunteer caterers; the teams of servers and of singers; the First Aid staff; the leaflet printers and distributers; the monastic brethren. From the Diocese: Mr. John Horton played the organ with great skill; Mrs. Liz Meicklejohn conducted the Diocesan Choir; George Brand was chief M.C.
This was the last Pluscarden Pilgrimage welcomed by Fr. Abbot Anselm as Abbot, as he prepared to lay down his Office the following day.
This notable event in Pluscarden's history occurs in the 50th year of our being raised to Abbatial status. The first Abbot of Pluscarden, Dom Alfred Spencer, was blessed by Bishop Michael Foylan of Aberdeen in 1974.
Already some oblates had arrived for the Pilgrimage Mass: in good time to participate in the residential Oblate retreat, scheduled to follow.
