Leicester Catholics' pilgrimage for Pope Benedict XVI

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Two Catholics from Leicester to see Pope at Mass services

Thousands of Catholics are expected to travel across the country to see Pope Benedict XVI when he visits the United Kingdom, from 16 to 19 September 2010.

During the papal visit the Pope will attend events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Birmingham.

For many worshippers this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

BBC Leicester will be following Catholics who plan to make the pilgrimage from Leicestershire to see the head of the Catholic Church.

Teenage pilgrim

Bernadette Durcan is 16-years-old and a student at De Lisle Catholic Science College in Loughborough.

She is extremely excited about seeing the Pope when he visits Birmingham to beatify John Henry Cardinal Newman, on Sunday 19 September 2010.

Public celebrations will be held in the city's Cofton Park to mark the beatification of the Victorian theologian.

It will be an early start for Bernadette, who is expecting to leave Leicester at 03:00 BST travelling to the venue by coach with her Parish.

The group, who range broadly in age from seven to 70, are "hoping and praying for good weather."

Bernadette's friends are largely very respectful of her Catholic faith, however in the past she has faced teasing from her peers.

"I'm kind of still known as a bible basher but I don't take it in an offensive way, I'm glad I'm recognised for the faith I have."

Showing solidarity

Pat Cusack is a retired charity worker from Leicester who is planning to take part in the Cardinal Newman celebrations in Birmingham.

He believes it is important to welcome the Pope and show solidarity with the the head of the universal Catholic Church.

"It's being seen as a pilgrimage as it's intended to be a religious experience.

"It's not about going and treating the pope like a pop star. It's joining the pope in a very special religious occasion."

Pat, who has been a Catholic all his life, will leave Leicester at 03:45 BST as part of the staggered arrivals in place for the Birmingham event.

He feels the significance of Cardinal Newman's beatification should have resonances across the Christian denominations, not exclusively among Catholics.

Hear more from Leicestershire pilgrims on BBC Radio Leicester with John Florance, 06:00-09:00 BST. Listen on 104.9FM, DAB and online.