Holy Mass celebrated by Bishops at Holyrood

Bishops from across Scotland gathered at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate Mass with MSPs and staff.

The Mass marked the feast of Ss John Fisher and Thomas More, the patron saint of politicians, and featured

MSPs from all parties and the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, attended the Mass, with the Presiding Officer and sponsoring MSP, Mark Griffin, assisting with readings.

Alison Johnstone, the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, reads the bidding prayers during the Mass.

After the Mass, Paul O’Kane MSP presented the bishops with a framed copy of a parliamentary motion welcoming the election of Pope Leo and which attracted cross-party support in the Parliament.

Paul O’Kane MSP presenting Bishop Keenan with a framed copy of a parliamentary motion.

The motion highlights how Pope Leo’s first words from the balcony at St Peter’s Square included the need to “build bridges”.

After accepting the motion and thanking Mr O’Kane, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “That’s what Pontifex literally means, being a bridge builder.

“That’s part of why we are here today – to build bridges between the church and parliament and we appreciate this opportunity to come here, to make friends and discuss things.

“Some things we’ll agree on, some things we won’t, that’s part of the process.

“But there is so much work to be done in Scotland together as we continue to get to know each other, to think how we can work better together for the common good.”

In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Leo Cushley, said: “One of Pope Francis’ lessons was that we listen to each other and be merciful to each other; listen to each other without prejudice and with humility and goodness and openness of heart.

“The Bishops and the Catholic Church in Scotland is a willing and open partner to work with you and to listen to you and, for our part, to accompany you when we possibly can.”

Westminster backs abortion up to birth

MPs voted by 379 votes to 137 in favour of an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill that would change the law to make it legal for women to perform their own abortions up to birth, writes the Catholic Parliamentary Office.

The new law, which will now be considered by the House of Lords, would allow for the abortion of a healthy baby right up until the moment of birth and would include abortion for sex-selective purposes.

Whilst the law would only apply to England & Wales (the law relating to abortion is devolved in Scotland), it will undoubtedly influence similar moves to decriminalise abortion in Scotland.

Despite the law not directly applying to Scotland, many Scottish MPs still voted on the proposal.

Thirty MPs voted in favour, whilst nine voted against.

Seventeen Scottish MPs did not vote, including all nine SNP MPs who, as a matter of party policy, would not vote on laws which are not directly related to Scotland. View the full list of how Scottish MPs voted.

Please use the Write to Them online tool to contact your MP about their vote.

Responding to the vote, Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley, urged people “never to give up hoping that the dignity of all human life—from conception until natural death—will be upheld and defended on our shores”.

Bishop Keenan expressed his gratitude to all those who engaged with their MPs on the matter and to all who “struggle every day to defend the rights of the unborn in our society and across the world. May God reward your efforts.”

Anthony Horan, Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, said that the vote marked “a dark day for our country” and said that MPs were “wildly out of touch with the electorate”, after a poll revealed only 1 per cent of the British public supported abortion up to birth.

Mr Horan quoted Pope John Paul II, who described the culture of death, including abortion and assisted suicide, as a “war of the powerful against the weak”.

He added: “This has never been better illustrated than by MPs in Westminster last night; hundreds of adults gathering to decide the fate of tiny, innocent, unborn babies.”

Paul Atkin, Archdiocesan Pro-Life Officer, said: “MPs ignored warnings that there will be a significant increase in late term abortions and their vote further dehumanises unborn children.

“Pope St John Paul II said that “the acceptance of abortion in the popular mind, in behaviour and even in law itself, is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil.” (Evangelium Vitae, no. 58)

“On Friday, MPs will vote on dangerous proposals to allow assisted suicide and I’d urge all Catholics to write to their MPs with their concerns today.  The best way is via https://writetothem.com

How Archdiocesan MPs voted on abortion up to birth:

Against:

John Lamont Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

For:

Brian Leishman Alloa and Grangemouth
Melanie Ward Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Katrina Murray Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
Graeme Downie Dunfermline and Dollar
Chris Murray Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Tracy Gilbert Edinburgh North and Leith
Ian Murray Edinburgh South
Scott Arthur Edinburgh South West
Christine Jardine Edinburgh West
Euan Stainbank Falkirk
Gregor Poynton Livingston
Susan Murray Mid Dunbartonshire
Kirsty McNeill Midlothian
Wendy Chamberlain North East Fife
Chris Kane Stirling and Strathallan

Did not vote:

Kirsteen Sullivan Bathgate and Linlithgow
David Mundell Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Richard Baker Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Douglas Alexander Lothian East

 

 

 

Catholic chapel is 'hidden gem' in capital

St Margaret’s Chapel at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh has been described as "a hidden gem" by the National Churches Trust (NCT).

The charity helps hundreds of churches, chapels and meeting houses each year to ensure they thrive.


The historic chapel is to benefit from a generous £10k grant from the charity to help with repairs, as announced in April.

The NCT website states: "This is a location with a rich and varied history.

"It's a hidden gem in the beautiful grounds of the Gillis Centre, the Chapel and adjoining former Convent was the first religious house to be built in Scotland after the Reformation."

The NCT has helped 13,000 places of worship since it was introduced in 2001, the vast majority of them churches.

The Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme allows listed churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals to reclaim VAT on urgent repair projects.

Archbishop Cushley said: “St Margaret’s Chapel is a special place for the Archdiocese.

 "It is a quiet sanctuary, a reminder of our past, and a space for reflection and prayer at the regular events we host."

Find out more about the work of the National Churches Trust here.

 

WATCH: Corpus Christi Procession

Watch highlights of the Archdiocesan Corpus Christi Procession at St Patrick’s Church, Kilsyth, thanks to coverage from Being Catholic TV.

Watch below or on YouTube.

In his homily at St Patrick's, Archbishop Cushley said: "I was talking to a priest and he referred to the Blessed Sacrament as the living Lord.

"Those words encapsulate so much wonderful theology; just to say the living Lord says so much without having to say much else.

"It shows that the Lord is present  when we come before him in bread and wine consecrated at Mass, and the living Lord remains with us, he remains among us and for that reason we wish to homour the living Lord in the Blessed Sacrament today."

Deacon Matthew McCafferty (below), spoke at the Bandstand in Burngreen park where there was a pause for prayer.

He said: "The Corpus Christi Procession is one of the few times of the year when Catholics take their faith out into the streets.

"What we are doing only makes sense if we are clear in one of the most fundamental aspects of our Catholic faith – that the Eucharist is Christ himself, not a symbol, or an allegory, or a metaphor, but truly Jesus Christ.

"So when we carry the blessed sacrament in procession it is truly Jesus himself who we are in procession with."

Gallery

 

 

 

 

Day for Life

Day for Life is this Sunday (15 June) and presents an opportunity to celebrate the dignity of all human life from conception to natural end.

This year’s theme is Hope Does Not Disappoint: Finding Meaning in Suffering.

It builds on last year’s theme which affirmed the value of good end-of-life care in contrast to proposals for assisted suicide.

Bishop John Keenan of Paisley Diocese said: "This year we wanted to draw out the question of human suffering which is at the heart of this debate, and to present it more fully in the light of Christian faith.

"This is a not a simple message to get across, but the meaning of suffering lurks in the background of abortion, assisted suicide and suicide generally, and many of our contemporary problems come from a worldview that assumes all suffering is bad and to be avoided.

"We were also conscious of this Holy Year’s theme of Hope and the teaching of Spes Non Confundit that ‘beyond the darkness we glimpse a light (and) come to realize that evangelization is sustained by the power flowing from Christ’s cross and resurrection.’"

Collection

The Day for Life Collection takes place in parishes this weekend and helps foster human life in every stage and condition, with particular attention to pro-life causes along with other aspects of life deserving consideration. 

The collection is split fifty percent between national and diocesan initiatives.  Applications for grants should be sent to Day for Life Fund, Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, 64 Aitken Street, Airdrie, ML6 6LT or use the contact page.

In this booklet, you will find a message from Bishop John Keenan along with Bishops of England and Wales, Ireland, along with prayers that can be used on or around Day for Life.

Portraits of Courage to highlight persecution

A powerful photo exhibition depicting breathtaking images of inspiring Christians from all over the world takes place next week.

Portraits of Courage will shine a light on the stories of persecuted and suffering Christians from around the world.

It is hosted by Aid to the Church in Need Scotland (ACN) and takes place on Thursday 19 June from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at ACN's Scottish office at Dalziel Building, 7 Scott Street, Motherwell.

Register here.

William More, Operations Manager for ACN Scotland, said: "Portraits of Courage offers a window into the lives and communities we serve at Aid to the Church in Need.

"This exhibition is more than just a display of photographs — it’s an opportunity for us to come together as ACN Scotland with friends, supporters and benefactors, and to connect with the stories that inspire our work every day.

“We extend a warm invitation to all who wish to become more aware and engaged with the story of Christian persecution.”

Fresh from the success of their sold out Scottish Catholic conference in March, Portraits of Courage will provide a further opportunity to engage with the charity but this time in their offices.

There will also be a chance to purchase handmade items from the ACN trading department and light refreshments and nibbles will be provided.

Benefactors can obtain free tickets for the event by calling 01698 337 470 or by visiting the Office.

Portraits of Courage Thursday 19 June, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, ACN, Dalziel Building, 7 Scott Street, Motherwell. Register here.

Archbishop announces clergy moves

Archbishop Cushley has announced the following clergy moves:

These moves will become canonically effective on Saturday 2 August 2025.

GALLERY: The St Margaret Pilgrimage

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the St Margaret Pilgrimage in Dunfermline on Sunday!

The highlight of the event was the colourful procession through the city centre with the relic of St Margaret.

In his homily, Archbishop Cushley said: "Thank you again for joining us to honour our great patron Saint Margaret.

"I’m grateful to Fr Syriac and the people of St Margaret’s parish, the musicians, helpers and volunteers, and everyone in Dunfermline for their warm welcome to the town."

Our next event is the Corpus Christi Procession in Kilsyth at 3:00pm on Sunday 22 June. Please join us to give public witness to the Eucharistic Christ!

Gallery

The Comrie & Inverkeithing Pipe Band lead the procession through Dunfermline City Centre.
Pilgrims who walked from Kelty outside St Margaret's Cave.
Members of the The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Members of the Knights of St Columba with Archbishop Leo.
Archbishop Leo with altar servers from St Margaret's Church.
Holy Mass at St Margaret's Church.
Archbishop Leo with a dad and his daughter after blessing her rosary beads.
Holy Mass at St Margaret's Church.
Members of the Order of Malta.
Ecumenical Prayer Sercice at Shrine of St Margaret at Dunfermline Abbey.
Archbishop Cushley chats with pilgrims and parishioners after Mass.

 

Parish bulletin update for this Sunday

Here is our round-up of forthcoming events for parish bulletins.

St Margaret's Pilgrimage - Sunday 8 June
Join Archbishop Leo, clergy, and people from across Scotland for the procession through Dunfermline town centre with the relic of St Margaret at 2:00pm, followed by Holy Mass at 3:00pm in St Margaret's Church. Full schedule in the news-events section at archedinburgh.org

Day for Life: Special Collection next Sunday
The Day for Life is when we celebrate the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. It takes place on Sunday 15 June and a collection will be taken up at Mass for the work of the apostolate of life. This year’s theme is Hope Does Not Disappoint – Finding Meaning in Suffering and we are invited to pray for those who suffer and to remain with them, bearing witness to their unique and unrepeatable value.

Study Catholic Theology in Edinburgh
Interested in finding out more about the MA in Applied Catholic Theology at St Mary's University Scottish campus in Edinburgh? An online information event takes place at 6:00pm on Tuesday 17 June where you can hear from staff and current students. Register at bit.ly/stmarysuni or email stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk

Corpus Christi Procession: Sunday 22 June
Archbishop Leo will lead the Archdiocesan Corpus Christi Procession from St Patrick’s Church in Kilsyth at 3:00pm on Sunday 22 June. First Holy Communicants in the Archdiocese are invited to take a special place in the procession wearing their formal clothes. Parking available at the Church. Contact St Patrick's to reserve disabled/minibus parking or to book a space on the free shuttle buses from Croy train station to the Church: priest.stpatrickskilsyth@staned.org.uk or 01236 822136.

Urgent: Oppose the Assisted Suicide Bill
The Assisted Suicide Bill is set for a final debate and vote at Westminster on Friday 13 June. Please pray for wisdom and compassion in our society and to contact your MP to express your opposition to the bill. Your personal stories and concerns matter. Find your MP at https://writetothem.com

Jubilee Year Picnic for families
The Archdiocesan Jubilee Year picnic takes place on Saturday 28 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. There will be spiritual talks on the theme of Hope and talks and games for children. Includes Rosary at The Grotto and concludes with Holy Mass in St Margaret's Chapel. Childcare provided. Register at bit.ly/archpicnic

Parish communicators
The Archdiocese is hosting a webinar for those who are involved with parish communications (such as Facebook, newsletters). It takes place on Saturday 19 July at 10:00am-11:00am. The session will give tips and guidance on parish social media, newsletters and more. Register at bit.ly/parishcomms

Save the Date
The Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage Day is on Sunday 21 September 2025 at St Patricks in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. More details coming soon.

St Margaret's Pilgrimage - Sunday 8 June
All are welcome at the annual St Margaret's Pilgrimage in Dunfermline on Sunday 8 June. Join Archbishop Leo, clergy and people from across Scotland for the procession through the town centre with the relic of St Margaret at 2:00pm, followed by Holy Mass at 3:00pm in St Margaret's Church. Full schedule in the news-events section at archedinburgh.org
New Dawn Conference - Saturday 14 June<
Experience the richness of the Catholic Faith at the New Dawn Day. It begins with Mass at 10:30am, followed by testimonies, workshops, healing prayers and more. Speakers are Fr James Anyaegbu and Gary Stephen. It takes place on Saturday 14 June 2025 at Ss Ninian & Triduana, 232 Marionville Road, Edinburgh, EH 7 6BE. Event organised by New Dawn Scotland.

Dignity Not Detention – Dungavel – Sun 15 June, 1pm
Join Justice & Peace Scotland to call for "Dignity Not Detention" and advocate for an end to the inhumane practice of unlimited immigration detention. The UK is the only country in Europe that does not have a statutory time limit on detention, meaning people can be held in prison-like conditions indefinitely with no idea when they will be released. Guest speaker: Archbishop William Nolan. It takes place at Dungavel House, Strathaven, ML10 6RF at 1:00pm on Sunday 15 June. Contact office@justice@peacescotland.org.uk for more info.

Corpus Christi Procession - Sunday 22 June
Archbishop Leo will lead the Archdiocesan Corpus Christi Procession from St Patrick’s Church in Kilsyth at 3:00pm on Sunday 22 June. This is a joyous occasion with the Blessed Sacrament being carried through the streets. First Holy Communicants in the Archdiocese are invited to take a special place in the procession wearing their formal clothes. Parking available at the Church. Contact St Patrick's to reserve disabled/minibus parking or to book a space on the free shuttle buses from Croy train station to the Church: priest.stpatrickskilsyth@staned.org.uk or 01236 822136.

Jubilee Year Picnic for families - Saturday 28 June
Join families from across the Archdiocese for a Jubilee Year picnic on Saturday 28 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. There will be spiritual talks on the theme of Hope and talks and games for children. Includes Rosary at The Grotto and concludes with Holy Mass in St Margaret's Chapel. At 4:00pm there is the chance to walk to the Jubilee Cross at St Mary's Cathedral (optional). Childcare provided. Register at bit.ly/archpicnic

Bishop Frank to lead new comms office

Bishop Frank Dougan will lead a new national office for communications and evangelisation to better proclaim Christ.

The announcement ties in with World Communications Day, which is this Sunday (1 June).

It has been held each year since 1967 on the Sunday before Pentecost, marking the role of media and communication in spreading the Gospel. 

He said: "We plan to build on the work done by groups, parishes and dioceses and produce quality content across the various media platforms so that we can keep on spreading the Word.

"(Your) support will help us as the Church in Scotland to use all the means of communication to help bring others to Christ.

"I look forward to sharing with you the work of this Office which will develop over the coming months.

"You will see how it truly responds to the urgency of Christ’s Mission."

Social media

Bishop Frank Dougan, of Galloway Diocese, has been given the responsibility for communications by the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

He added that social media is a way in which we can engage with those who are seeking Christ.

"Not everyone will be lucky enough to have a face-to-face encounter that brings them to Christ," he added. "So, we must use all the means available to reach out to them.

"It is not good enough to wait for our brothers and sisters to come to us. We must do all we can to go to them."

His comments come in a pastoral letter that will be shared with Catholics at Mass this Sunday. There will also be a special collection for communications and evangelisation.

He added: "I am going to ask for your financial support. And that support will help us as the Church in Scotland to use all the means of communication to help bring others to Christ.

I look forward to sharing with you the work of this Office which will develop over the coming months.

In the meantime, please continue to pray for the spread of the Gospel, and please do support this weekend’s collection."

Follow the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh: Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube. Archbishop Cushley is on X.