London Telegraph blogger Damian Thompson says the Papal Mass in Glasgow on the first day of Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK was a “spiritual triumph” and he writes:
The Catholics of Scotland can be proud indeed of the welcome they gave
the Pope today, confounding and infuriating smug celebs in London who
just don’t get it. I was impressed not just by the size of the crowds at
Bellahouston but also by the reverence and warmth of their
participation. Pope Benedict drew strength from them – he seemed less
frail, less worried than earlier in the day, relieved and perhaps
surprised to find himself among so many friends. And what a moving,
well-judged sermon: the Pope’s warning to young people about the empty
pleasures of alcohol, money, sex and drugs struck me as a sensitive
acknowledgement of the terrible blight of addiction on Scottish council
estates.
And Andrew M Brown writes:
“It really is inspiring stuff. To
the young he says: ” There are many temptations placed before you every
day – drugs, money, sex, pornography, alcohol – which the world tells you
will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive.
There is only one thing which lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for
each one of you. Search for him, know him and love him, and he will set you
free from slavery…” No wonder young Catholics love Benedict.”
The Telegraph, which seems to be taking a positive attitude to the visit, has a live news feed here.
There is live streaming on the visit at the official Papal Visit website.
