Archbishop Cushley has launched the Holy Year in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh with Holy Mass and the blessing of the Jubilee Cross.

The cross is to be the focus for pilgrims in the Archdiocese and The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence.

Archbishop Cushley raises the Jubilee Cross.

Archbishop Cushley said: "I am inviting people from the Archdiocese to come here in an act of pilgrimage, as an expression of their Christian faith and discipleship, and as a means to gain a plenary indulgence.

Deacon Eddie White reads the Gospel.

"As we look to the Holy Year, as invited by the Holy Father, we look to the Cross.  The motto of our Archdiocese is Crux Spes Unica - the Cross is our only hope.

"Let’s place our faith again in the Lord, who died an innocent victim on the Cross for us.

Archbishop Cushley venerates the Jubilee Cross.

"Let’s ask him to strengthen our faith, encourage our hope, and train our hands for action and for charity in the coming Holy Year.

"And may the good Lord grant us many blessings of peace and prosperity in the coming Jubilee Year!"

From left: Fr Jeremy Milne, Fr Joseph Carola SJ, Deacon Peter Traynor, Archbishop Leo Cushley, Fr David Stewart SJ, Deacon Eddie White and Fr Kevin Dow.

Fr Jeremy Milne, adminstrator of the Cathedral, said: "We look forward to welcoming pilgrims to the Cathedral during this year, as individual and groups.

"May the Jubilee year bring us many blessings and may the hope of Christ burn brightly in our hearts this year."

Venerating the Jubilee Cross after Mass.
Fr Robert Taylor chats outside the Cathedral after Mass.
Venerating the Jubilee Cross after Mass.
Archbishop Cushley after Mass outside St Mary's Cathedral.