A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars

Explore the universe through the eyes of Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ, Director of the Vatican Observatory.

Discover the intersection of science and spirituality, reflecting the Jesuit ideal of "finding God in all things."

Learn how the cosmos inspires both mind and heart, from scientific study to artistic expression.

Don't miss this unique opportunity for a new perspective on the heavens. The event takes place at 3:00pm at Sacred Heart Church, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ and promises to be an inspiring afternoon! Book here.

Event organised by The Edinburgh Jesuit Centre.

Fr Tommy Greenan - A Celebration

Come and celebrate the life of the late Fr Tommy Greenan at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Thursday 8 May at 7:30pm.

Tommy was a priest of our Archdiocese who served the poor in El Salvador at a time when Catholic priests were under threat of execution.

Speakers will share their memories of Tommy and tell the story of how The Song of the Poor came to be published following his death.

The Song of the Poor will be available for purchase at the event and there will be tea/coffee.

No registration required, free event.

Chrism Mass

The Chrism Mass is when the holy oils are blessed and the sacred chrism is consecrated. It is traditionally celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week at St Mary's Cathedral, with Archbishop Cushley. Priest of the Archdicoese join him to renew their priestly vows

What is the Chrism Mass?

The Chrism Mass is a significant event in the Catholic Church, where the bishop consecrates the sacred chrism (a mixture of olive oil and balsam) and blesses the other holy oils (oil of catechumens and oil of the sick). 

Why is it important?

The Chrism Mass is a sign of the close bond between the bishop and the priests of the diocese, and it is a time for priests to renew their commitment to their ministry. 

When is it celebrated?
Traditionally, the Chrism Mass is celebrated during Holy Week, on the morning of Holy Thursday, but it can be celebrated on another day of the week, or during the Lenten season, as close to Holy Week as possible.

What happens at the Chrism Mass?

The bishop consecrates the sacred chrism and blesses the other holy oils. Priests renew their commitment to their ministry. 

What are the holy oils used for?
  • Holy Chrism: Used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. 
  • Oil of Catechumens: Used in Baptism. 
  • Oil of the Sick: Used for anointing people who are ill or infirm. 

Schola Cantorum - Rome Fundraising Concert

The Schola Cantorum will travel to Rome to sing at the Pontifical Scots College ordinations on 10 May 2025. This fundraising concert takes place at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh ahead of the trip. All proceeds will help to support the trip.

Please keep in your prayers Matthew McCafferty (from our Archdiocese) and Keiran Burt (Motherwell Diocese) who will be ordained to the Diaconate, the final step on the path to the sacred priesthood.

Wednesday 30 April 7:30pm, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh
Schola Cantorum Fundraising Concert (Tickets £10 on the door)

Schola Cantorum - Rome Fundraising Concerts

The Schola Cantorum will travel to Rome to sing at the Pontifical Scots College ordinations on 10 May 2025. The choir has planned a series of fundraising concerts at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh ahead of the trip. All proceeds will help to support the trip.

Please keep in your prayers Matthew McCafferty (from our Archdiocese) and Keiran Burt (Motherwell Diocese) who will be ordained to the Diaconate, the final step on the path to the sacred priesthood.

Monday 14 April 7:30pm, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh
Performance of Pergolesi Stabat Mater by Genevieve Evans and Emma Hocking (free entry, with retiring donation)

Wednesday 30 April 7:30pm, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh
Schola Cantorum Fundraising Concert (Tickets £10 on the door)

Schola Cantorum - Rome Fundraising Concerts

The Schola Cantorum will travel to Rome to sing at the Pontifical Scots College ordinations on 10 May 2025. The choir has planned a series of fundraising concerts at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh ahead of the trip. All proceeds will help to support the trip.

Please keep in your prayers Matthew McCafferty (from our Archdiocese) and Keiran Burt (Motherwell Diocese) who will be ordained to the Diaconate, the final step on the path to the sacred priesthood.

Sunday 6 April 1:30pm, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh
Solo Soprano recital by Emily Zehetmayr (free entry, with retiring donation)

Monday 14 April 7:30pm, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh
Performance of Pergolesi Stabat Mater by Genevieve Evans and Emma Hocking (free entry, with retiring donation)

Wednesday 30 April 7:30pm, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh
Schola Cantorum Fundraising Concert (Tickets £10 on the door)

Day for Clergy

How free are we to share the Gospel and where? This is a big issue for clergy, as freedom of speech appears more frequently under attack.

Ryan Christopher will speak about this at the Archdiocesan clergy formation day on Thursday 3 April at The Gillis Centre, 11:00am - 3:00pm.  Ryan is Director of External Affairs at the Angelicum and the former Director of ADF UK, a faith-based legal advocacy organisation.

Ryan will present two talks:

  • Cultural change and the part of the Church: Insights from a decade inside Westminster, the media and the courts
  • 'You can't say that!': How free are we to share the Gospel and where?

    • This event is for clergy of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh only.

    Young Adults Talk Series - St Mary's Cathedral

    The Lenten talk series for St Mary's Cathedral's Young Adults Group.
    We take a look at some of St Paul's writings and the teachings contained within them. This final talk is led by Archbishop Leo Cushley who will discuss Phillipians 2: 6-11.
    Doors open at 63 York Place at 7:00pm. Talk begins at 7:30pm and is followed by some time for private prayer and confessions then Night Prayer, finishing for 9:00pm.
    No registration required. Further info: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

    Young Adults Talk Series - St Mary's Cathedral

    The Lenten talk series for St Mary's Cathedral's Young Adults Group.
    We take a look at some of St Paul's writings and the teachings contained within them. Talk led by Fr Jamie McMorrin, of St Margaret's Parish in Edinburgh, who will discuss Ephesian 6: 10-20.
    Doors open at 63 York Place at 7:00pm. Talk begins at 7:30pm and is followed by some time for private prayer and confessions then Night Prayer, finishing for 9:00pm.
    No registration required. Further inf0: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

    Young Adults Talk Series - St Mary's Cathedral

    The Lenten talk series for St Mary's Cathedral's Young Adults Group. We take a look at some of St Paul's writings and the teachings contained within them. Talk led by Fr Joshua Moir of St Patrick's in Kilsyth, who will discuss St Paul's epistle to Philemon. Doors open at 63 York Place at 7:00pm. Talk begins at 7:30pm and is followed by some time for private prayer and confessions then Night Prayer, finishing for 9:00pm. No registration required. Further info: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk