New Coat of Arms for Bishops' Conference

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland (BCoS) has a new Coat of Arms, created by one of the oldest heraldic courts in the world.

The Lord Lyon, Rev Dr Joseph John Morrow, recently presented the design to Archbishop Cushley at St Bennet's in Edinburgh who in turn shared it at a recent meeting of the Bishops' Conference.

The design is registered by the Lyon Court, one of the oldest heraldic courts in the world, under the authority of The King.

Archbishop Cushley described the design, saying: "Coats of arms are intended to convey a description of the person or institution in question.

"In this case, the saltire represents Scotland and its principal patron St Andrew.

"The gold martlet (bird) is taken from the coat of arms of St Margaret of Scotland, the secondary patron of our nation.

"The two crossed-over bishops’ croziers represent the two ecclesiastical provinces that exist in Scotland today, of St Andrews & Edinburgh and of Glasgow respectively.

"The red tressure (border) around the inner rim of the coat of arms, in canon law indicates episcopal authority over a given area, while in Scots heraldry the tressure symbolises a clan or group of colleagues, thus indicating the bishops as a conference.

"Finally, the Celtic Cross behind the arms reminds us of the very ancient roots of the Catholic Church in Scotland, going back to St Ninian in the fourth century AD."

(L-r) Bishop Brian McGee (Argyll & the Isles), Bishop Andrew McKenzie (Dunkeld), Bishop Frank Dougan (Galloway), Archbishop Leo Cushley (St Andrews & Edinburgh), Bishop John Keenan (Paisley), Bishop Hugh Gilbert (Aberdeen), Bishop Joseph Toal (Motherwell), Archbishop Bill Nolan (Glasgow).

 

WATCH: Archbishop's message for All Souls

Archbishop Cushley today prayed for all the Faithful Departed who have died over the last year in the Archdiocese.

He celebrated the Annual Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel in Edinburgh and said: "It's always a lovely moment when we get together and comfort each other with the assurance of our faith."

Special mention was given to the deceased priests and religious sisters who have died in the last year: Fr Gordown Browm, Mgr Alistair Lawson, Canon John Urquhart, Fr John Callaghan, Fr Tony Quinlan OMI, Sr Mary Rose Moran RSM, Sr Monica McDonald RSCJ, Sr Christine Triay RSCJ, and Sr Veronica Marshall OSC.

Watch the video message below or on YouTube.

 

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Its aim is to help you renew or initiate your understanding of the Catholic faith and, through Jesus Christ, share more deeply in the life of God.

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Archbishop witnesses history in Rome

On Thursday King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV stood together in prayer at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

It's a first for the formal leaders of the Church of England and the Catholic Church since the Reformation.

The prayer service featured choirs from Anglican and Catholic traditions joining together and Latin and English interwoven in the service.

Archbishop Cushley was there to represent the Catholic Church in Scotland.

He said: “It was a great privilege to witness history being made after all these centuries.

"It shows how much we treasure in common, demonstrated by something so simple as standing shoulder to shoulder and saying the Lord’s prayer.”

Also present was Cardinal Vincent Nichols, representing Catholics in England and Wales.

The event also carried significant ceremonial aspects: King Charles received the title of “Royal Confrater” at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, and Pope Leo in turn was honored with a title at Windsor, further symbolising the growing ties between the two Christian communities.

Pope Leo and Archbishop Leo met later that same day at an event for Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (top right).

King Charles also visited the Pontifical Beda College in Rome.

Archdiocesan seminarians, incuding Gerard Holden (third from right in row, wearing cassock) witnessed the event.

SUNDAY: Support the Mercy Centre

This year's Day for the Poor collection is scheduled for Sunday 9 November with all funds going to St Catharine's Mercy Centre in Lauriston, Edinburgh.

The centre is run by the Sisters of Mercy and offers meals, toilet facilities, advice on welfare and a place of refuge and calm.

Sr Aelred Timmins RSM said: "In Edinburgh there are so many homeless people on the streets.

"They come here every day for food, sometimes for sleeping bags, most of all they're looking for friendship and a listening ear.

"We are a Mercy Centre and we welcome everybody in. Our whole charism is 'response to need'.

"Please keep us in your prayers, and we really are very grateful to anybody who is able to support the works of mercy in this house."

Sr Aelred and the Sisters of Mercy established  the Homeless Project at St Catharine's Mercy Centre in Lauriston Gardens in 1993 and it can help up to 200 people each day.

Parishes have been asked to hold a special collection at Mass on Weekend of 8/9 November (or nearest suitable date). To donate online please tap here.

GALLERY: Dana & Friends at St Mary's Cathedral

The Dana & Friends event at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, took place on Friday and featured stirring music and testimony.

It featured the legendary Irish Eurovision singer who talked about her faith in the midst of a million selling pop music career.

Former BBC correspondent Martina Purdy, and former barrister Elaine Kelly spoke movingly about their journeys from top flight careers into the religious life, and about how their deep trust in God has helped them to navigate the unexpected events that have followed.

Dana was accompanied by the Cathedral’s Schola Cantorum, with Director of Music Michael Ferguson at the piano.

He said: "It was a truly Spirit-filled evening, and one that will be remembered at St Mary’s Cathedral and beyond for a long time to come!"

 

 

 

Archbishop Leo: take part in Mission Sunday

World Day of Prayer for the Missions (Mission Sunday) is this weekend (19 October) and the theme is Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.

Archbishop Cushley asks us to keep the missionary church in our prayers and do what we can to support the work of Missio Scotland.

He previously said: "Supporting Missio is doing what the Lord asks us to do.

"We see it at the end of the synoptic gospels where the Lord sends out his apostles and disciples - and that means you and me by extension.

"There is a part of all of us that ought to have a missionary spirit, and we ought to have, somewhere deep down, a missionary heart."

Bolivia is the focus country for projects being supported by Missio Scotland this year.

Missio established links with the country thanks to Fr Dominic Quinn, who spent a few years on mission there and helped the charity establish links.

A special collection will take place at Mass for the work of the propagation of the faith on the weekend of 18/19 October, with all money going directly to Missio Scotland. Donate online here. Archbishop Cushley is Bishop President of Missio Scotland.You can read Pope Francis' message for World Mission Sunday here.

SOLD OUT: National Family Conference

Internationally acclaimed speaker Chris Stefanick features at the fully booked Inaugural National Family Conference in October.

Known for his dynamic talks and inspiring presentations, Chris brings a wealth of experience in helping families and individuals deepen their faith and embrace the joy of Catholic family life.

His keynote, broadcast live from the USA, promises to be a highlight of this landmark event that takes place on Saturday 25 October 2025, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at St Bride’s Hall, Muir Street, Motherwell, ML1 1PP.

The conference will also feature engaging talks, prayer, and opportunities for community, celebrating the gift of marriage and family life.

Participants will be encouraged to reflect, share, and connect with other families in a welcoming and faith-filled environment.

The event is organised by the National Commission for Marriage, Family and Life of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

Timetable

10.00am
Registration

10.30am
Opening Prayer & Welcome

11.00am
Keynote Speakers 1: John & Angela Deighan – addressing worries, pressures and challenges faced by families

11.45am
Comfort Break

12.00pm
Keynote Speaker 2 – Chris Stefanick (live link from USA) – vision of how ‘Home Church’ could be a source of evangelisation

1.00pm
Lunch – families to bring own (tea/coffee/juice/water made available). There is a Wetherspoon's and several cafes within a five minute walk of the venue.

2.00pm
Workshop/Group Discussions

3.15pm
Comfort Break

3.30pm
Families gather before Mass

4.00pm
Mass in Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral (next to conference venue)

Location of Venue
St Bride’s Hall, 31 Coursington Rd, Motherwell ML1 1PP (across street from Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell

Travelling by Train
The nearest train station to St Bride’s Hall is Motherwell Station, approximately a 10 minute walk to St Bride’s Hall.

Travelling by Car
There is a large free car park across from St Bride’s Hall as well as free parking on the street itself.

Travelling by Bus
Bus routes 201, 240, 240X, 242, 266.

Children
Throughout the morning (11am-1pm) and afternoon (2-3.15pm) sessions, there will be supervised age-appropriate activities provided for children aged 3 years and over in another room within the hall complex – one group for 3 – 9 year olds and one group for those aged 10 years and over.

For those children aged below 3 years, there will be an allocated space set aside for them to play with their toys within the conference hall, in sight of their parents.

Three awarded for lifetime of service

Three devoted parishioners from Christ the King Church, part of Sacred Heart Parish, Grangemouth, have received the Archdiocesan Medal.

Joan McGuire, Eddie McAuley and Maurice McMonagle were recognised for their lifelong commitment, faith, and service to the Church and local community.

Archbishop Cushley presented the medals during Mass on Sunday at the Church, as parishioners celebrate the church's 50th anniversary.

Joan McGuire

Joan McGuire (91) has been a cornerstone of Christ the King Parish since its opening nearly 50 years ago.

For more than two decades, she has been the caretaker of the church building, opening it daily for Mass and parish events. She takes great care of the altar and sanctuary, ensuring everything is prepared for worship. Joan also serves as a reader and Eucharistic Minister, and for many years she was a dedicated RCIA teacher, helping others grow in the Catholic faith.

A former member of the Legion of Mary, Joan’s service has often been behind the scenes — unseen but essential. Known for her quiet devotion and tireless work, she continues to serve her parish community with remarkable dedication.

Eddie McAuley

Eddie McAuley (80) has been a lifelong member of both Christ the King and Sacred Heart Churches in Grangemouth, serving faithfully since Christ the King first opened its doors.

A former pupil of Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Eddie went on to teach at St Mungo’s High School in Falkirk, where he was regarded as an outstanding educator and mentor. His example of faith and integrity left a lasting impression on generations of pupils, reflecting the Catholic ethos at the heart of the school.

In the parish, Eddie has been a driving force behind support for the Jericho Brothers, raising funds for men experiencing homelessness — a mission he continues today. He also tends to the gardens and grounds of Christ the King and serves regularly as a reader at Mass.

Eddie’s humility, faith, and commitment to others have earned him deep respect in the community. The medal recognises a lifetime spent quietly serving God and neighbour.

Maurice McMonagle

Maurice McMonagle (80) has been a faithful member of Christ the King Church for more than five decades, serving the parish with quiet dedication since before the church first opened.

A long-standing member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Maurice has played a vital role in supporting those in need within the local community. He also serves on the altar at both Christ the King and Sacred Heart Churches, assisting at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

Maurice is known for his generosity of spirit and readiness to help, often volunteering as a driver to transport elderly or less mobile parishioners to church and parish events.

His humility and consistent service are widely admired, and his actions exemplify Gospel charity lived out through simple, faithful deeds.

The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray. It is awarded for outstanding voluntary service to the Church at a local level.