St. Joseph's parishioners at the Cofton Park Mass

Our Pilgrim Journey began very early on Sunday morning (19th Sept.) when we all met the coach at Rhyl.

Once we were all aboard Father Charles Ramsay from St Mary's parish in Rhyl began our pilgrimage with prayers.

Around eight in the morning we arrived at the car park. We were given our passes and began a rather long walk to the site.

What a sight it was. The altar was stunning, the mass of pilgrims was breathtaking and the atmosphere was electrifying.

At 9.30am Pope Benedict arrived in his Popemobile. He was just a few feet away from me at one point. I felt so blessed. Everyone was on their feet rejoicing, being in the presence of the Holy Father.

The Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict was amazing. So many people (60,000) joined in the prayers, the hymns, the the responses to the Mass. It was beautiful. God's love was felt everywhere.

At 10.30am Cardinal John Henry Newman was declared "Blessed", this being Pope Benedict's first beatification ceremony since becoming Pope and the first ever to take place in Britain.

All too soon the Mass was over. Everyone seem spiritually uplifted and full of praise. Shortly after, Pope Benedict left the Park to carry on his own pilgrimage before returning home.

At around 1.00pm we all made our way back to the coach. We arrived back in Rhyl at about 6.00pm and we were shattered. But what a fantastic spiritual experience we all had!