World famous Scottish singer Susan Boyle has described the opportunity to
sing for Pope Benedict XVI as “her greatest dream come true.” Speaking in a
television interview recorded by the Scottish Catholic Media Office, the
global singing sensation spoke of being “honoured and humbled” by the
invitation.
Susan will perform three times at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow on Thursday
16 September as well as singing with the 800 strong choir at the open air
Mass which will be celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to
Scotland.
The Mass will begin around 5.15pm, while in the pre-Mass programme Susan
Boyle will sing the hymn “How great thou art” as well as her signature song
“I dreamed a dream.” Following the final hymn at the end of the Mass, she
will also sing a farewell song to Pope Benedict as he leaves the park to
travel to Glasgow Airport for his flight to London and the continuation of
his four day British visit.
Speaking from her home where she was rehearsing for the day, Susan said:
“To be able to sing for the Pope is a great honour and something I’ve always
dreamed of – it’s indescribable. I think the 16th of September will stand
out in my memory as something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve always wanted
to sing for his Holiness and I can’t really put into words my happiness,
that this wish has come true at last.”
Susan revealed that she had been approached by Cardinal Keith O’Brien to
participate, adding;
“My family will be there on the day on what will be a very special day for
all of us and I hope they will be proud of me.”
Speaking of her late mother she said;
“I know she won’t be there physically, but she was at Bellahouston Park in
1982 and I know she will be there again, spiritually, she will be with us.”
On the importance of her Catholic faith, Susan said;
“The Pope’s visit is a very big event for Scottish Catholics. My own faith
is the backbone of my life, I pray and say the rosary each day and am very
close to my religion. I am humbled and honoured by this invitation and I
hope I can do my best.”
Cardinal Keith O’Brien, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
said;
“I am delighted that Susan will be able to perform for the Pope, I think it
is wonderful that she will have this once in a lifetime opportunity and as
her Bishop I am hugely proud of her.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
