Holy Mass celebrated by Bishops at Holyrood

Bishops from across Scotland gathered at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate Mass with MSPs and staff.

The Mass marked the feast of Ss John Fisher and Thomas More, the patron saint of politicians, and featured

MSPs from all parties and the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, attended the Mass, with the Presiding Officer and sponsoring MSP, Mark Griffin, assisting with readings.

Alison Johnstone, the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, reads the bidding prayers during the Mass.

After the Mass, Paul O’Kane MSP presented the bishops with a framed copy of a parliamentary motion welcoming the election of Pope Leo and which attracted cross-party support in the Parliament.

Paul O’Kane MSP presenting Bishop Keenan with a framed copy of a parliamentary motion.

The motion highlights how Pope Leo’s first words from the balcony at St Peter’s Square included the need to “build bridges”.

After accepting the motion and thanking Mr O’Kane, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “That’s what Pontifex literally means, being a bridge builder.

“That’s part of why we are here today – to build bridges between the church and parliament and we appreciate this opportunity to come here, to make friends and discuss things.

“Some things we’ll agree on, some things we won’t, that’s part of the process.

“But there is so much work to be done in Scotland together as we continue to get to know each other, to think how we can work better together for the common good.”

In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Leo Cushley, said: “One of Pope Francis’ lessons was that we listen to each other and be merciful to each other; listen to each other without prejudice and with humility and goodness and openness of heart.

“The Bishops and the Catholic Church in Scotland is a willing and open partner to work with you and to listen to you and, for our part, to accompany you when we possibly can.”

Couples celebrate Marriage at Cathedral

Archbishop Cushley blessed married and engaged couples at Holy Mass last night in a celebration of Marriage.

The annual event at in St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, sees couples gather to renew their commitment, receive the blessing and socialise with people from across the Archdiocese.

After Mass, Archbishop Cushley invited the oldest couple and the youngest couple to cut the celebration cake.

Katherine Frangos and Jarek Kuhn, from Leith, have been married for nine months, while Margaret and Bill Mawdsley, from Corstorphine, have been married for 70 years!

Archbishop Cushley told couples: "This is one of the happiest celebrations that the Archdiocese hosts each year so thank you for joining us."

The event was organised by Fr Benedict Iwatt VE and the Archdiocesan Commission for Marriage & Families . The commission's next event is a Jubilee Year Picnic for Families at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB on Saturday 28 June 2025 at 11:00. Register here.

 

Fr Ninian's Mass at Everest base camp

An Edinburgh-based priest has celebrated Holy Mass at Everest base camp as part of a pilgrimage for peace.

Fr Ninian Doohan, of St Patrick's Church in The Cowgate, had an eight day trek to reach the iconic location, which is 17,598ft above sea level (for comparison, Ben Nevis is 4,413 ft).

He said: "This is day eight of trekking by foot, and my cassock has seen better days having been worn continuously from Edinburgh.

"(It's) certainly the first Holy Mass offered here in the nascent Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. Heaven has once again come down to Earth at its highest point.

"The Mass was the Missa Pro Pace, offered for the intention of Peace in the World.

"With limited information of the outside world in this Himalayan region we were still able to read a little of Pope Leo XIV’s first Regina Coeli address as he appealed to the leaders of the world: Never again war!"

Fr Ninian arrived in Nepal on 2 May to assist a community project at St Ignatius' Church in the Nepalese capital.

The project is part of a Jesuit Mission and a broader network of activities supporting mobile clinics, special schools, and the general material welfare of the people.

The pilgrimage was inspired following the baptism of Gele Bishokarma by Fr Ninian at St Patrick’s Church in 2023.

He said: "I promised him that I’d meet him on his own native soil, and I’d like to help the Church there in any way I can with a small mission, at least to just see our Catholic Faith lived out in the highest point on Earth."

Gele, who runs a trekking company, accompanied Fr Ninian on the journey. Fr Ninian is now back in Kathmandu after a four day trek back down the mountains and a helicopter journey back to the Nepalese capital.

He said: "Please pray that the Holy Spirit guides further the initiative to have a Catholic church in the region for the use of both locals and visitors alike.

"We left a strategically placed Miraculous Medal (of the Immaculate Conception) at Namche, the Sherper Capital, hoping Maternal help will be forthcoming."

Follow Fr Ninian's journey on Facebook and Instagram. To donate to the community project at St Ignatius' Church in Nepal click here. 

Catholic represents King Charles at General Assembly

Lady Elish Angiolini has become the first practicing Catholic to represent His Majesty King Charles at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

She told the General Assembly that she is "profoundly honoured" to have been chosen as Lord High Commissioner at the annual gathering which opened in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Lady Elish's appointment was only made possible after both Houses of Parliament in London changed a law dating back to 1689 that barred Catholics from holding the role.

Addressing the General Assembly, she said people born and brought up in Scotland will be well aware of the "profound significance of the appointment of a Catholic to this role".

"I still believe that prejudice and sectarianism can be overcome by that fundamental recognition in us that we are all Jock Tamson's bairns and by the recognition of each other as the creation of God, requiring the love, forgiveness and support we would all seek for ourselves in all of our imperfection."

Friendship

Lady Elish highlighted the historic St Margaret's declaration of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.

It was signed by Dr Iain Greenshields, Archbishop Leo Cushley and Princess Anne at the Abbey Church of Dunfermline in 2022.

Lady Lady Elish Angiolini is welcomed to the General Assembly by Rt Rev Rosemary Frew.

"As so many of you know well, the declaration was the culmination of years of ecumenical relationship building between the two churches and recognises each other as brothers and sisters in Christ," she added.

Archbishop Leo Cushley spoke at the General Assembly on Monday and said: "I would like to say how pleased my fellow Catholics and I are that His Majesty the King has chosen to send a Catholic as the Lord High Commissioner this year.

"With the blessing of my brother bishops I wrote to the King to express our gratitude to him for this gracious gesture.

"By doing so it would appear that he has chosen to build upon the momentum created by the signing of the St Margaret Declaration in 2022, and Catholics in Scotland welcome that very warmly indeed." Watch his address on YouTube.

Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly, said: "Your appointment was an inspired one, a real living out of the 2022 St Margaret Declaration of friendship and respect between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland, brothers and sisters in Christ, citizens and partners in announcing the kingdom of God in our land.

"We pray for every blessing on you and your household for the week ahead."

 

Fr Ninian witnesses Catholic faith in Nepal

Wellwishers have helped an Edinburgh-based priest smash a fundraising target to help the poorest parish in Kathmandu.

Fr Ninian Doohan aimed to raise £750 for the community project at St Ignatius' Church in the Nepalese capital and hit the heights after receiving more than £5,000!

He arrived in Nepal on Friday and has been posting updates on social media ahead of a trip to Everest base camp.

He said: "In the last few days I’ve been soaked on the back of a motorbike getting to know the church communities better, traversing roads (rocks with mud on top!), and had the privilege of being with different families to enjoy their hospitality.

"I’ve also spoken with Religious Sisters of the Good Shepherd who help rescue trafficked children, foster minors from families in the proximate danger of abuse, and help rebuild homes destroyed by earthquakes and landslides."
Fr Ninian (seated at front) received a warm welcome at St Ignatius' Church on Saturday (Facebook).

The community project is part of a Jesuit Mission and a broader network of activities supporting mobile clinics, special schools, and the general material welfare of the people.

The trip to Nepal was inspired after baptising Gele Bishokarma at St Patrick’s in the Cowgate in 2023, where Fr Ninian is based.

He said: "I promised him that I’d meet him on his own native soil, and I’d like to help the Church there in any way I can with a small mission, at least to just see our Catholic Faith lived out in the highest point on Earth."

Fr Ninian has been warmly welcomed by Catholic families in Kathmandu.

After several days in Kathmandu Fr Ninian flew on Wednesday (7 May) to Lukla on a 13-day round trip that will take in Everest based camp.

He said: "Modern amenities work even in remote settings, the first tweet from the peak of Everest was sent in May 2011, so I may just find out who the new Pope is by the time I reach Everest Base Camp.

"Prayers assured on what is a pilgrimage of prayer."

To donate to the community project at St Ignatius' Church in Nepal click here. Follow Fr Ninian's journey on Facebook and Instagram.

Seeking truth & beauty in the Catholic Church

"I never considered how profoundly grounded in love and humanity the Catholic faith was," says Ilhan Alp Yilmaz.

The 23-year-old student from Turkey is one of 33 people, mostly young adults, from St James' Parish in St Andrews who will become Catholic at Easter.

Ilhan says 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 parish: "Learning something new each week about the faith, made endlessly entertaining by Monsignor Burke's wit."

'Looking for transcendence'

Fr Patrick BurkeA recent survey commissioned by the Bible Society and conducted by YouGov found what many priests have noticed over the last few years: more young adults are attending Church.

Monsignor Patrick Burke, left, parish priest at St James', said: "I think it's happening because young people are aware of a certain of a certain shallowness in contemporary culture  and are looking for deeper truth and meaning.

"I think they are also looking for community and belonging and a recognition that much of what is promised by contemporary celebrity culture does not actually yield deep happiness.

"When I was based at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, we were amazed by the number of young people who wanted to join RCIA.

"The Catholic Church offers meaning, beauty,  truth, and transcedence...I think they are looking for transcendence."

'Quiet courage of young people'

This Saturday, Archbishop Cushley will celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass at 8:00pm in St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, where 12 catechumens and 21 candidates will be received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.

He said: "The quiet courage of any young person choosing faith is a sign that God is still at work in our world.

"Perhaps more young people are discovering in the Christian faith something deeper—something lasting. A peace and a sense of belonging - not to a “feed”, but to a family of faith that stretches back 2,000 years and reaches into eternity.

"The world feels overshadowed by suffering— the horror of war in Ukraine, in the Holy Land, and by civil and political unrest in the places we once looked to for security and stability.

"In the face of that, we look for truth, for reality, and for some common sense."

Alex Peris, 20, St James' Parish

Alexander Peris, 20, is one of the group from St James' Parish who will become Catholic at Easter.

The student, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said: "When I arrived at St Andrews, one of the people I became good friends with was Catholic, and over the course of many conversations I became more open to Christianity as a whole.

"Then I started going to Mass and reading more about the faith and it all clicked.

"Catholicism’s historical roots and internal consistency appealed to me.

"I realised that my entire understanding of morality and Western civilization was wholly dependent on the teachings of Christ and his Church.

"I look forward to continuing to build a prayer life and deepening my faith.

"I’m also looking forward to exploring the Catholic community in my hometown of Pittsburgh."

Jessica Hrycak, 19, St James' Parish

Jessica, from Milton Keynes, said: "I was raised in a Christian household, but it wasn’t until University that I decided to take my religion more seriously.

"My friends in Halls would always have religious debates at meal times, and this is how I began learning about Catholicism.

"From there, I started going to Mass, as their conversations had drawn me to the Catholic church.

"I then started RCIA as a way to learn more about God, and what it means to be a Catholic.

"(I've enjoyed) learning about Catholic devotions, and the history of the Church.

"My friends at University have all always been here for me.  I have never felt any judgement, and they are always willing to answer any questions I may have."

Ilhan Alp Yilmaz, 23, St James' Parish

Ilhan, from Istanbul, said: "My sister and I were raised irreligious, and so my knowledge of any religion was rather slim.

"I never considered how profoundly grounded in love and humanity the Catholic faith was and I was surprised that its beliefs were holistic and not a series of disconnected doctrines.

"I've enjoyed learning something new each week about the faith."

And his hopes for the future as a new Catholic? "To keep the faith."

Aimee Koo, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

Aimee, a law and politics student at Stirling University, will be baptised at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, she said: “I did a lot of research on YouTube, just to have confidence to know the step I am taking.

“(RCIA) has been great. Every question you have they will answer. The catechists are volunteers and they’re very knowledgeable - they use so much of their spare time helping us and all the other catechumans.

“You do get a strong community within churches so I'm very blessed that it wasn't too much of a struggle.”

The Easter Vigil takes place at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh on Saturday Saturday 19 April at 7:00pm. To find out more about the RCIA programme at the Cathedral contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. Download the Quiet Revival study here.

SATURDAY: Youth Day

Archbishop Cushley is encouraging parents to register their child(ren) for a Youth Day hosted by the Archdiocese this Saturday (12 April).

The event takes place at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB from 11:00am to 3:00pm and includes sessions for primary pupils (8+) and high school pupils.

Archbishop Cushley said: "As we prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday and the sacred days of Holy Week, I invite you to register your child(ren) to this special youth event.

"The day will be filled with games, inspiring workshops, and dedicated time for prayer.

"This event is not just about fun and learning; it's about building relationships—both with Christ and with each other.

"By attending, your child will be strengthened in their faith as we prepare spiritually in the days leading up to Easter.

"Let’s inspire our young people to live out the joy and hope of the Resurrection.

"Thank you for your continued support of your child's faith journey.

"I look forward to seeing them at the event and sharing this blessed time together."

Register your child for the event at bit.ly/youthpalm. Free parking onsite.

The Mass: A Window to Heaven

A six-week course to help deepen our understanding of the Mass, using the series from Bishop Robert Barron called The Mass.

These sessions, which are open to all, are free and a great way to learn more about the celebration central to our faith.

They take place at St Andrew’s Rooms at St Andrew’s Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS.

There is Eucharistic Adoration & Confessions from 5:00pm and Mass at 6:00pm (both optional). Sessions include a short video and group discussion.

Sessions begin after Mass (around 6:30pm). Refreshments served.

Please register your interest by e-mailing cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

6:30pm | Wed 30 Apr: A Privileged Encounter

6:30pm | Wed 07 May: Called out of the World

6:30pm | Wed 14 May: God speaks our Story

6:30pm | Wed 21 May: Responding to God

6:30pm | Wed 28 May: Preparing for Sacrifice

6:30pm | Wed 04 June: The Real Presence creates Communion

The Mass: A Window to Heaven

A six-week course to help deepen our understanding of the Mass, using the series from Bishop Robert Barron called The Mass.

These sessions, which are open to all, are free and a great way to learn more about the celebration central to our faith.

They take place at St Andrew’s Rooms at St Andrew’s Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS.

There is Eucharistic Adoration & Confessions from 5:00pm and Mass at 6:00pm (both optional). Sessions include a short video and group discussion.

Sessions begin after Mass (around 6:30pm). Refreshments served.

Please register your interest by e-mailing cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

6:30pm | Wed 30 Apr: A Privileged Encounter

6:30pm | Wed 07 May: Called out of the World

6:30pm | Wed 14 May: God speaks our Story

6:30pm | Wed 21 May: Responding to God

6:30pm | Wed 28 May: Preparing for Sacrifice

6:30pm | Wed 04 June: The Real Presence creates Communion

The Mass: A Window to Heaven

A six-week course to help deepen our understanding of the Mass, using the series from Bishop Robert Barron called The Mass.

These sessions, which are open to all, are free and a great way to learn more about the celebration central to our faith.

They take place at St Andrew’s Rooms at St Andrew’s Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS.

There is Eucharistic Adoration & Confessions from 5:00pm and Mass at 6:00pm (both optional). Sessions include a short video and group discussion.

Sessions begin after Mass (around 6:30pm). Refreshments served.

Please register your interest by e-mailing cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

6:30pm | Wed 30 Apr: A Privileged Encounter

6:30pm | Wed 07 May: Called out of the World

6:30pm | Wed 14 May: God speaks our Story

6:30pm | Wed 21 May: Responding to God

6:30pm | Wed 28 May: Preparing for Sacrifice

6:30pm | Wed 04 June: The Real Presence creates Communion