Catholic Social Teaching and AI
St Mary’s in Scotland is delighted to share its upcoming conference on AI, emerging technologies, and Catholic Social thought, sponsored by the Catholic Union of Great Britain and by Churches, Charities and Local Authorities (CCLA) Investment Management Limited.
Ever since Rerum Novarum in 1891, the Church has, through her official teaching, presented the world with the key social principles required in order to properly discern how to order society towards the kingdom of God.
Written on the backdrop of a changing social landscape in the west as a result of technology, Pope Leo realised that the impact technology has on society would require spiritual intervention, and the same is true today.
With the popular emergence of generative AI and the wider implementation of autonomous systems, there is an urgent need to discuss what impact these technologies have on society, through a deep reflection with Catholic Social Thought – an urgency noted by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith’s document Antiqua Et Nova.
Please register on Eventbrite. Questions? Please email stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk
This event is organised by St Mary's University.
Youth Mass: Carlo Acutis Relics
The relics of Blessed, and soon to be Saint, Carlo Acutis are at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, from Saturday 13 September to Monday 15 September 2025.
Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis to be canonised on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Carlo Acutis is known for his love of the Eucharist and for his use of technology in sharing religious content, particularly on eucharistic miracles. He died from leukemia aged 15 in Monza, Italy, and will become the first millennial saint.
Saturday 13 September
6:00pm: Vigil Mass in presence of relic (Cathedral open until 8:00pm for veneration).
Sunday 14 September
12:00pm: Mass in presence of relic, celebrated by Archbishop Leo Cushley.
Monday 15 September
12:45pm: Mass for Schools in presence of relic (all welcome).
On Saturday 13 September the relics will be present for out annual Altar Servers' Day at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. This event is for Altar Servers and volunteers only. If you have a child who is an altar server in the Diocese, please register fo this event with your parish priest. From 9-13 September, the relics will visit the Diocese of Paisley.
Archbishop Leo said: “It is a real blessing for our Archdiocese to welcome the relics of Carlo Acutis.
"The late Pope Benedict, when visiting Britain in 2010, called on our young people to be the "Saints of the 21st Century”.
"Carlo’s life is a powerful witness to precisely that, the beauty of holiness in our time, and a reminder that sanctity is possible at every age.
"I pray that his visit will especially inspire our young people to deepen their love for the living Lord in the Eucharist and to follow Him with renewed faith and courage."
Holy Mass: Carlo Acutis Relics
The relics of Blessed, and soon to be Saint, Carlo Acutis are at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, from Saturday 13 September to Monday 15 September 2025.
Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis to be canonised on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Carlo Acutis is known for his love of the Eucharist and for his use of technology in sharing religious content, particularly on eucharistic miracles. He died from leukemia aged 15 in Monza, Italy, and will become the first millennial saint.
Saturday 13 September
6:00pm: Vigil Mass in presence of relic (Cathedral open until 8:00pm for veneration).
Sunday 14 September
12:00pm: Mass in presence of relic, celebrated by Archbishop Leo Cushley.
Monday 15 September
12:45pm: Mass for Schools in presence of relic (all welcome).
On Saturday 13 September the relics will be present for out annual Altar Servers' Day at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. This event is for Altar Servers and volunteers only. If you have a child who is an altar server in the Diocese, please register fo this event with your parish priest. From 9-13 September, the relics will visit the Diocese of Paisley.
Archbishop Leo said: “It is a real blessing for our Archdiocese to welcome the relics of Carlo Acutis.
"The late Pope Benedict, when visiting Britain in 2010, called on our young people to be the "Saints of the 21st Century”.
"Carlo’s life is a powerful witness to precisely that, the beauty of holiness in our time, and a reminder that sanctity is possible at every age.
"I pray that his visit will especially inspire our young people to deepen their love for the living Lord in the Eucharist and to follow Him with renewed faith and courage."
Holy Mass: Carlo Acutis Relics
The relics of Blessed, and soon to be Saint, Carlo Acutis are at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, from Saturday 13 September to Monday 15 September 2025.
Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis to be canonised on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Carlo Acutis is known for his love of the Eucharist and for his use of technology in sharing religious content, particularly on eucharistic miracles. He died from leukemia aged 15 in Monza, Italy, and will become the first millennial saint.
Saturday 13 September
6:00pm: Vigil Mass in presence of relic (Cathedral open until 8:00pm for veneration).
Sunday 14 September
12:00pm: Mass in presence of relic, celebrated by Archbishop Leo Cushley.
Monday 15 September
12:45pm: Mass for Schools in presence of relic (all welcome).
On Saturday 13 September the relics will be present for out annual Altar Servers' Day at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. This event is for Altar Servers and volunteers only. If you have a child who is an altar server in the Diocese, please register fo this event with your parish priest. From 9-13 September, the relics will visit the Diocese of Paisley.
Archbishop Leo said: “It is a real blessing for our Archdiocese to welcome the relics of Carlo Acutis.
"The late Pope Benedict, when visiting Britain in 2010, called on our young people to be the "Saints of the 21st Century”.
"Carlo’s life is a powerful witness to precisely that, the beauty of holiness in our time, and a reminder that sanctity is possible at every age.
"I pray that his visit will especially inspire our young people to deepen their love for the living Lord in the Eucharist and to follow Him with renewed faith and courage."
Pilgrim of Hope (18-24 August)
Scott is taking a day off work. A quest begins that will take him through an array of quirky characters and situations as he attempts to answer the question: where does one find hope today?
Pilgrim of Hope is an uplifting story of an everyday man, Scott Adams, who goes in search of hope.
Trouble is – where does one find hope today?
A funny, poignant fable about life, death, air-fryers and one man’s search for hope.
A third Fringe solo show from versatile writer-performer Stephen Callaghan (Pew With a View 2018, and Oggie! Oggie! Oggie! 2023).
A new comedy inspired by Pope Francis’ letter for the Year of Hope, written and performed by Stephen Callaghan.
Venue 6, C Aurora Studio (Lauriston Halls, Lauriston Street).
Dates 18 August to 24 August 2025 at 19:30 (0hr50)
Tickets from 0131 581 5555 or www.CtheArts.com. £13/£11
agap.org.uk/pilgrimofhope
facebook.com/agapglasgow
instagram.com/agapglasgow/
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage
This annual event takes place at St Patrick's in The Cowgate, Edinburgh, on Sunday 21 September 2025. This year we mark the centenary of her death. Schedule below.
Schedule
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Refreshments and sale of candles & goods.
- 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Holy Hour (Exposition, Rosary, Benediction, Confessions).
- 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Reflection on the Venerable Margaret Sinclair given by Fr Joe McAuley, Vice-Postulator with Prayers, Petitions & Blessings with Relic.
- 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Holy Mass (Sung). Principal Celebrant: Archbishop Leo Cushley. Homilist: Fr Jamie McMorrin.
- Confessions available all day.
Pathways to Pentecost - A Retreat in Daily Life
Explore the profound presence of God in every aspect of your life.
From the bustling city streets in the quiet moments of solitude.
Through prayer, meditation and reflection, uncover the sacredness within the ordinary and deepen your connection to the Divine.
Pray daily, meet weekly. Register here. To find out more please email Fr David Stewart SJ at ejcretreats@jesuit.org.uk
Opening Session
Sunday 4 May, 5.15pm at Edinburgh Jesuit Church, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh.
Closing Session
Sunday 1 June, 5.15pm, Edinburgh Jesuit Church, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh.
Hosted by the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre. FAQs below.
What is a retreat in daily life?
A retreat in daily life is time set aside over a number of weeks for prayer and reflection which is designed to fit alongside you usual work and home routine.
Who is a retreat for?
A retreat is for any Christian who wishes to deepen their prayer and know better Jesus Christ and the action of God in their lives. All you need is an openness to the experience and method of the retreat and generosity in setting aside the time needed each day for prayer for the duration of the retreat.
How long does the retreat last?
We offer retreats in daily life of different lengths - from three weeks to six weeks or more.
What do I have to do?
The commitment for the retreat in daily life is . . .
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to set aside 20-30 minutes each day for prayer
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to meet once a week and at the start of the retreat with your prayer guide
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to come to the opening and closing sessions of the retreat
Prayer
You do not have to be an expert in prayer, or very confident about prayer, or already know how to meditate to do a retreat. Your prayer guide will help you understand how to pray better and will suggest material to pray with. What they suggest will be tailored to you, your own experience and circumstances.
Prayer Guides
It is important to have someone who is trained and experienced accompany you through your retreat. Your prayer guide will provide material for your prayer and meditation. What you discuss with them remains confidential.
Workshops
We offer workshops alongside the retreat. These focus on different methods of prayer and may be especially helpful if you are not particularly sure about how to pray or meditate in the Christian tradition or want to try new ways of praying. The workshops are optional and not necessary to do the retreat in daily life well.
How much does it cost?
We do not charge for the retreat in daily life. However, we do incur costs and so welcome a donation if you are able to make one.