SOUTH END -- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from across the Archdiocese of Boston came together to celebrate their accomplishments at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, May 22, during a Mass celebrated by Father Matt Williams, director of Faith Formation for the archdiocese.

Around 150 scouts, from young children to teenagers, attended the annual Scout Award Mass, said Kathy Stebbins, Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults Coordinator and Catholic Committee on Scouting archdiocesan liaison, during a May 24 telephone interview.

"Every year, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts receive the Catholic Scouting awards that they've worked towards during the year," she said.

Awards in the forms of emblems and medals were given to around 120 of the older scouts. I Live My Faith Medals; Mary, the First Disciple Medals; and Spirit Alive Medals were presented to Girl Scouts, while Ad Altaire Dei Emblems and Pope Pius XII Emblems were given to Boy Scouts.

Adults who have made significant contributions to scouting also received medals, while younger scouts received certificates.

In a surprise visit, Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley welcomed and offered words of congratulations to the scouts before the start of the Mass.