First UK statue of John Paul II to be unveiled in Scotland

On Saturday the first UK statue commemorating the Pope John Paul II will be unveiled at the Carfin Grotto. It will be blessed by Bishop Devine, Bishop of Motherwell, who will be joined by Archbishop Szczepan Wesoly the retired Archbishop for Polish emigres based in Rome who will be the principle concelebrant and Fr Marian Antoni Lekawa representing the Polish community in Scotland. Both Bishop Ian Murray and Bishop John Mone, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and the retired Bishop of Paisley respectively, will be attending the Mass and celebrations. The statue was commissioned by the Pastoral Planning team of St. Francis Xavier's Parish Carfin. Spokesperson Mr Tommy Hughes said: "The Pontificate of John Paul II had a global impact. He was especially significant to us because of his 1982 visit to Scotland." The sculptor Tom Allan was commissioned to produce the image. Mr Hughes stated: "to capture the essence of John Paul II was a very difficult commission but we feel Tom Allan has risen to the challenge." The image will be blessed on 13th May, which is the 25th anniversary of the 1981 assassination attempt on the late Pope's life. Bishop Devine said: "I am privileged that I will be at the unveiling of this wonderful statue to the late great John Paul II. His historic visit to Scotland in 1982 is still very fresh in the memory as if it were only yesterday." This date also coincides with monthly devotions to Our Lady of Fatima at Carfin. Mass will begin at 12 noon at the Lourdes shrine. Following on from this will be the Rosary and a procession at 2 pm. Before the conclusion of ceremonies at 3pm there will be Benediction at the Lourdes Shrine. Source: SCMO