Hundreds of Scottish pupils urged to become ‘witnesses of hope’ at major youth rally
CHEERS, music and moments of silent prayer marked one of Scotland's largest Catholic youth gatherings as more than 700 pupils came together to learn about the realities facing Christians persecuted for their faith around the world.
Pupils from 23 schools attended Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need’s Scottish Youth Rally on Tuesday 8th September where they learned about the challenges faced by suffering Christian communities.
Now in its 10th year, the rally’s dual theme for 2026 was Witnesses of Hope & Called and Sent encouraged young people to reflect on their own faith and how they can support Christians suffering or facing persecution.
Over four hours pupils in Hamilton’s Town House watched harrowing footage documenting attacks on Christian communities, heard from guest speakers, and took part in Eucharist Adoration.
The event’s MC - Aberdeen’s Father James Anyaegbu, a Tik Tok phenomenon with 1.8m followers got them out of their seats dancing and singing and posing for selfies with them.
A message of support from Pope Leo was read during the event, in which he offered encouragement and blessings to those taking part.
Among the guests were Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia who responded to pupil queries in “Ask a Sister”, ACN’s international Advocacy Director Marcela Syzmanski and the Clydebank-based Catholic charity Firecloud, whose music accompanied periods of prayer and reflection.
One of the most memorable moments came during an interactive session led by Dominican Sisters Isabelle Marie and Angela Marie in a “do this, not that” game, pupils enthusiastically competed to be the last person standing while learning a deeper lesson about faith and discipleship.
Reflecting on the exercise, Sister Isabelle Marie said: “This is what it means to be part of a crowd and singled out in a crowd and that wave of enthusiasm. That was the crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.”
Eucharistic Adoration which was accompanied with Firecloud’s music.
Suzanne Burniss, director of Firecloud, said: “It’s brilliant to see young people come together like this. We do Eucharistic Adoration so there’s a real presence of Christians here.
“We have the privilege to do music ministry. For us it’s a great privilege to do that part.
“It stirs the heart of these young people to respond to the mission of ACN at home and around the world and that is really powerful. We’re delighted to be asked to be part of this event.”
The rally struck a chord with pupils attending from across Scotland.
Macy, from St Aidan’s High School, Wishaw, said: “This was not what I expected. I expected peer groups but this was a lot more interactive.”
Her friend Lindsay added: “I didn’t realise there were Christians in so many places.”
Pupils from St Mungo’s High School, Falkirk, said they were particularly moved by stories shared during the day, which included accounts of vulnerable orphaned babies and children supported through the Church’s charitable work in Ethiopia.
Audrey, 15, said: “It’s all very overwhelming. I recognised music that’s played where I go to Mass and I didn’t expect to go up on the stage and dance.”
Fr Anyaegbu said: “Events like this help young people understand what's happening in places such as Africa, India and Ukraine. We need to be aware of those facing persecution and speak out about it.”
William More, head of ACN in Scotland said: “For me, the most powerful part of the rally was seeing hundreds of young people realise what happens to Christians around the world. Young people are not simply the Church of tomorrow — they are the Church of today.
“We want them to hear the stories of Christians who are persecuted for their faith, to be moved by those stories, and then to ask themselves: ‘What can I do?’ Our hope is that they leave this rally not just inspired, but ready to be witnesses of hope wherever they are.
“All of this gives me hope and excitement for what young people can achieve and I can’t wait to share their successes.”
