Prayers for Pope Francis at Requiem Mass
Archishop Cushley today celebrated a Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, in memory of Pope Francis. Kate Forbes, the Deputy First Minister, was in attendance to represent the Scottish Government and read the first reading (Acts 10:34-43) Also attending was Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar and Annie Wells of the Scottish Conservatives. *** Homily […]
Gallery: Encounters with Pope Francis
On the eve of the funeral of Pope Francis, we’ve gathered images of those based in the Archdiocese who came face-to-face with the Holy Father. Prayerfulness: Fr Jamie McMorrin, of St Margaret’s, Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh, was a Deacon when he assisted at a Papal Mass in St Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the Feast of the […]
Archbishop’s tribute to Pope Francis
On the news of the death of Pope Francis, we will all have various reactions. Personally, I knew him and worked with him, so it’ll take a while for me to sort out my own memories of him. When he was elected, I remember his first day in the office, welcoming him into the library […]
‘He wanted to bless our broken world’
Father Gerard Maguiness, who met Pope Francis in February, writes in The Scotsman about what the first Jesuit to be Supreme Pontiff meant to him. Father Maguiness is the general secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and a priest of the Diocese of Motherwell. *** It was with great sadness but not surprise that […]
‘He shared Christ’s mercy to all’
The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Archbishop Cushley said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of The Holy Father’s death this morning. “He shared Christ’s mercy and compassion to all, especially the poor and the vulnerable. Pope Francis shared Christ’s mercy to all, especially the poor and […]
Easter Sunday: ‘Jesus our Life’
Happy Easter! Here is the homily of Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh, The Easter Vigil, 19 April 2025, at St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh. *** My dear friends, A very happy Easter to you all! The readings that we hear over the Easter weekend, from Genesis to Exodus to St Luke at […]
Good Friday: ‘Jesus the Truth’
Here is the Homily of Archbishop Leo Cushley on The Passion of the Lord, Good Friday, St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh. *** My dear friends, Last night in our celebration of the Lord’s Supper we accompanied the Lord as he began to tread the Via Dolorosa, the way of pain that leads Him to the […]
Holy Thursday: ‘Jesus the Way’
Archbishop Cushley tonight celebrated Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum. It is an important time for the Church because at the last supper Jesus instituted the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Faith. Holy Thursday: The Blessed Sacrament is taken to the Altar of Repose at St […]
Clergy gather for Chrism Mass
More than 70 priests gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh last night for the annual Chrism Mass. The Chrism Mass is 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). These oils are then taken […]
Seeking truth & beauty in the Catholic Church
There are 33 people, mostly young adults, from St James’ Parish in St Andrews who will become Catholic at Easter. One of them says that he was drawn to Catholicism by “a sincere feeling of thankfulness for everything in my life”. He has enjoyed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process at the […]