A joyful and inspiring atmosphere filled the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow as the Scottish Catholic Education Service celebrated the 2025 Caritas Award ceremony—the 11th edition, an initiative inaugurated by Pope Benedict XVI to honour selfless service inspired by faith and love.
To my surprise and delight, the scale of the event was immense. The arena buzzed with excitement as it overflowed with students, teachers, and dignitaries from schools across Scotland, all gathered to celebrate the theme of love in action.
There present were four bishops, Archbishop Willian Nolan, Glasgow archdiocese, Bishop Frank Dougan of Galloway diocese, Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell diocese and Bishop Andrew McKenzie, of the diocese of Dunkeld. Many school chaplains also came in the company of their students.
Guided by the belief that “love grows through love,” students are formed not just to know about love but to live it. They are encouraged to put their knowledge into meaningful practice, serving others in their schools, parishes, and local communities. The Caritas Award honours those who have gone above and beyond in this mission of faith-driven service.
Pupils who apply for the award must submit evidence showing the impact of their activities, which are carefully assessed against set success criteria. While each recipient receives a medal and certificate, the true value lies in the transformation that takes place within the students themselves, and the positive ripple effect their actions have on the community.
As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us in Deus Caritas Est, 18, “Love grows through love. Love is ‘divine’ because it comes from God”. The award becomes the students’ living response to this profound truth.
The ceremony began at 2:00 p.m.on Thursday, 5th of June, with a warm welcome from David Currie, the well-known sports presenter from Reporting Scotland and The Sportscene Results Show, alongside Maura Currie, a seasoned broadcaster and voice coach. Three selected students led the opening prayer, setting the tone for a heartfelt celebration.
Archbishop William Nolan, Bishop President for Education, delivered a powerful message to the awardees. “Our knowledge, our learning, our education,” he said, “cannot remain abstract or detached from the needs of others and the concerns of the community. It must lead us to action, involvement, and engagement.”
The special guest of honour was the Rt Hon. Ms Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills. The ceremony also featured musical interludes from students of St Paul’s High School, Taylor High School, and Craigmarloch High School, adding vibrant colour to the occasion.
One of the highlights was hearing testimonies from students of St Joseph’s College, Dumfries, who shared how the Caritas Award has helped them become more responsible and aware of their role in mutual service and care for others.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Anton Colella, Chairperson of the Scottish Catholic Education Service Executive Board. He praised the dedication of teachers, calling their vocation “a sacred calling from God, to nurture souls through knowledge for the transformation of society.”
St Aidan’s is proud of its 65 Caritas Award recipients, who continue to embody the spirit of love in action, shining as beacons of faith, service, and compassion in today’s world.
By Rev Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp, Chaplain, St Aidan’s High |School, Wishaw.
Leave a comment