Archbishop Cushley was in Rome this week to lead discussions on the importance of the Christian vision of family life.

He opened the meeting of the European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) Commission for Family and Life by highlighting how the Church’s teaching is more relevant than ever for Europe.

He encouraged participants to share experiences and best practices for strengthening families as the heart of Christian life and a sign of hope for the future of the continent.

Archbishop Cushley is founding President of the commission and the theme of this year's meeting was 'The Christian Family: The Hope of Europe'.

The meeting included bishops and national directors for Family & Life from the 39 Bishops' Conferences across the continent.

It included moments of prayer and pilgrimage as they passed through the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

The meeting involved Fr Nick Welsh, a priest of our Archdiocese who serves as Secretary of the Commission (as well as vice rector of the Scots College in Rome), and David Topping, who grew up in Edinburgh, and now serves as assistant to the Commission (above, holding Crucifix).

David said: "It's a chance for national directors from all the European countries to come together, share ideas and good practices, to tell us what's going on in their own countries with regards to family and life.

"That includes both hopes and challenges. The commission is important because there are a lot of challenges facing families in the current culture.

"Archbishop Cushley led the discussion and delegates got good ideas and inspiration to take back and implement in their own bishops' conferences."

In the Catholic Church, CCEE stands for the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe.

It is a body that brings together the presidents of all the bishops’ conferences across Europe. The CCEE’s purpose is to promote collaboration among European bishops, support the Church’s mission across the continent, and foster communion with the Holy See.

Next week, from 19-21 November, The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh hosts a meeting of the Legal Advisors of the European Bishops' Conferences.