For Catholics in Britain, the Pope's visit will be a huge event. It will take place between the 16th and the 19th of September and take in 3 cities across Scotland and England. For many it will mark an important moment and provide memories for a lifetime.
But in the last few days there has been a level of criticism aimed at those aiming to "cash in" on the visit by offering promotional products such as t-shirts, caps and jackets to mark the occasion. Some say it cheapens the experience and that a highly significant moment such as a mass from the Pope should not be celebrated in such a way, with the promotional products being more reminiscent of a heavy metal band than a papal visit.
Others on the other hand believe that they should be allowed to celebrate their faith in a way that they see fit, and that the freedom to wear promotional products that mark the visit are a harmless way of embracing the event.
There's no doubt that it will be an important experience for the people who attend, and it is only natural to want a memento from the day. But is it fitting for religious items to be used in such a way when a Papal mass is usually a sober and respectful event? Can religion really expect to avoid the modern day clamour for souvenirs and promotional merchandise that act as memories for events?
It is a matter that will be discussed long after the Papal visit is over, but it would certainly appear that promotional products will be a fixture for the duration of this trip.
Posted by Alan Grainger
