Sept 18, 2010
On Sept 16th, Ms Boyle performed at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow Scotland where 65K pilgrims gathered for the Papal Mass.
(All pix except the last are video screenshots)
Ms Boyle sang “I Dreamed a Dream” and “How Great Thou Art” and later “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace“.
Here are some quotes from an interview with Ms Boyle from Annabelle Love at THE SUN. Ms Boyle talks about her performance, meeting the Pope, and of course what her Mum would think.
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict’s arrival:
MS BOYLE: When the Pope arrived, we all lined up and I was introduced to him. I still can’t believe I met the Pope. I shook his hand and kissed his ring. It’s only just starting to sink in now, I was almost in tears. He is, for me, the ultimate and I got to meet him.
Signing for the Pope:
MS BOYLE: That was a fantastic experience and you really can’t top that – it was awe-inspiring. Performing for the Pope was fantastic, absolutely brilliant.
Prior to her performance:
When I first went up onto the stage, what struck me was the beautiful sunshine and how symbolic it was. I thought, ‘My mum is with me, certain of it, definitely’. I was doing something so important my mum would have been so proud. It was an unbelievable experience.
I had family and friends in the audience and it was so special. And the atmosphere in the park was joyous, relaxed and happy. It was everything that the day should be.
And her nerves?
MS BOYLE: The night before I slept relatively well. I did keep waking up with butterflies in my stomach, but it was a good sort of anxiety and I kept calm and relaxed.
Of course I was nervous to perform for an audience of millions around the world at such an important event, but they were good nerves. The nerves help you focus on what you are doing for that moment and concentrate and do the best you can.
And afterward?
MS BOYLE: I went home afterwards and treated myself to a lovely Chinese takeaway and sat in peace taking in all the wonderful events of the day.
One wonders what ‘Chinese takeaway” consists of in West Lothian.
A final thought?
MS BOYLE: It was a dream come true. In fact I would say it was my ultimate day.
