Hundreds of Catholics from Scotland’s northernmost diocese including Poles living and working in the North East to celebrate fifty years since Poland was re-dedicated to Mary the Mother of God and re-declared Queen of Poland.

Gathering at the Benedictine Abbey of Pluscarden, they participated in a Mass led by Bishop Peter Moran of Aberdeen.

At the beginning of the celebration, a group of eighty five Poles walked the six mile road from Elgin to Pluscarden Abbey. They were led by Fr Joe Kolasa.

At the beginning of the celebration Abbot Hugh Gilbert welcomed all present to Pluscarden.

Bishop Moran spoke in both English and Polish. He explained how Pluscarden Abbey has become the spiritual heart of his far flung diocese.

He continued: “Today Father Abbot and I have invited you here, English-speakers who have lived in the diocese for many years, and Polish-speakers who have arrived only recently.

“Poland also has a spiritual heart, in the city of Częstochowa: it is called Jasna Góra (the Bright Mountain), the shrine of Our Lady Queen of Poland.

“Fifty years ago, almost to the day, the people of Poland re-dedicated their country to Mary their Queen.

“Today’s Mass and the other celebrations, here in the spiritual heart of our diocese are to honour Mary. We too honour Mary and welcome our Polish fellow-Catholics in the context of her feast.” Said Bishop Moran.

He then addressed his Polish parishioners in their own language. He introduced himself as the Bishop of a huge diocese. He continued: “While you are living in Scotland, I am your bishop also. We hope that you have found a friendly welcome. Our little parishes want to embrace you. Your faith will strengthen ours.”

The preacher during the Mass was Father Marian Łękawa, Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission in Scotland.