Pope’s message for World Day of Peace
The annual World Day of Peace takes place on Thursday 1 January, which is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The theme of Pope Leo XIV’s message is ‘Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace”. He calls for a rejection of violence and militarization, embracing nonviolence, dialogue and […]
Celebrating the Gift of Life
Priests and parishioners gathered at St Margaret’s Chapel at The Gillis Centre, Edinburgh, to give thanks for the Gift of Life and to pray for the protection of the most vulnerable in our society. The Mass took place on the Feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist (Saturday 27 December). In his homily, Archbishop Cushley […]
Bill celebrates 80 years as an altar server!
Congratulations to Bill Mawdsley (93) who has been awarded the Archdiocesan Medal for outstanding service to the Church. He has been an altar server for an incredible 80 years! Archbishop Cushley celebrated Mass at St John’s Church in Corstorphine on Saturday and awarded the medal to Bill. And today, on the Feast of the Holy […]
Archbishop’s Christmas Homily
Here is the homily of Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh, delivered at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, Christmas Midnight Mass, 2025. *** A very Merry Christmas to you all, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Some of you will know that I was recently in the Holy Land. I was there in […]
Christmas Message from Archbishop Cushley
Happy Christmas! Here’s a message from Archbishop Cushley. Watch below or on YouTube. Christmas Message (extended version) “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men and women.” Those familiar words, proclaimed by the angels at Christmas, remain at the heart of the season. They are not simply part of a well-loved story, but a message […]
Reflection: defend the dignity of life
Archbishop Cushley’s reflection at our final Advent Rosary for Life, which took place on Monday 22 December. Watch below or on YouTube. Transcript My dear friends, Thank you for joining together in prayer this evening. I would like to offer a brief reflection—one that flows from the Rosary, from our love for Christ, and from our […]
Christmas Day Mass times
All times are for Christmas Day except those marked ‘Vigil’, which are on Christmas Eve. Town Church Name Time Armadale Sacred Heart & St Anthony (in Armadale Parish Church) 9:00am Balfron St Anthony 6:00pm vigil, 9:30am Ballingry Ss Kenneth & Bernard 10:00am Banknock St Luke 9:00pm vigil, 11:00am Bannockburn Our Lady & St Ninian 8:00pm […]
Charity champion Cath recognised by the Pope
A charity worker and former teacher from Kilsyth has been recognised by Pope Leo for her dedication to the charity and the Catholic Church. Cath McGrath became a volunteer for SCIAF 20 years ago, after retiring as a French and German teacher. Her dedication has now earned her the prestigious Benemerenti Medal. She said: “When […]
Statement from the Bishops of Scotland
The Scottish Parliament is considering changes to religious opt-out rules in schools, including an amendment separating Religious Education (RE) from Religious Observance (RO). A spokesperson for Scotland’s Catholic Bishops said:“There is an intrinsic link between RE and RO in Catholic schools. “Religious Education gives knowledge of faith, while Religious Observance is the living expression. “One […]
Seafarers supported at Leith carol concert
Archbishop Cushley took part in a special Carol Concert last night (17 Dec) to help raise awareness of the work of Stella Maris. The event was at St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Leith, and was an evening of carols, readings and celebration. Stella Maris helps seafarers at ports in the Archdiocese and across Scotland […]