This week is Catholic Legacy Week. Wills and legacies are an important way to fund the work of the Church throughout the world.
Having just celebrated Pentecost, when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, this year Catholics are being asked: What will be your gift to the world?
Visit yourcatholiclegacy.org.uk and see how you a legacy can support a charity of your choice. You will also find a will-writing guide there.
Could you help?
Perhaps you would like to help fund the education of a seminarian in our Archdiocese? It takes seven years to train a priest.
Or maybe you want to support our retired priests? After a lifetime of service to the Church, they should benefit from a safe & warm home, or have support if they are suffering from ill health.
You may decide to support your own parish; many church buildings need to adapt to a world of rising energy costs amd invest in heating, lighting and making buildings watertight and energy efficient.
In coming weeks we will be sharing information about legacies and wills on the Archdiocesan website.
If you would like to receive an information pack about legacies when it is produced please email information@staned.org.uk
WATCH: Archbishop discusses St Margaret Declaration
Archbishop Leo Cushley speaks recently (Wed 21 Sep) about the recent landmark commitment of friendship and unity between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Church of Scotland, the St Margaret Declaration.
This event was organised by the Edinburgh Jesuit Centreat Sacred Heart Church, Edinburgh (small hall) and was livestreamed on YouTube. (Watch below or here).
The event launches a programme of talks between September and December at the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre - see here for more details.
100th week of Sunday call to prayer
For the 100th consecutive week, Christian leaders across Scotland, including Archbishop Cushley, invite you to join in the Ecumenical Call to Prayer at 7pm tonight (Sunday 20 February).
The prayer began as a response to the Covid outbreak to pray for those affected and for an end to the pandemic.
Reflection
The beginning of the public ministry of Jesus is recorded in direct and immediate terms in the Gospel of Mark. We begin in Nazareth in Galilee and are then transported to the River Jordan.
We see Jesus baptised and then driven out into the wilderness for forty days. The ministry of Jesus then begins as he proclaims: ‘The time has come...The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.’ (Mark 1: 9-15).
It is as if the account compresses time in order to capture and express the significance of the moment. Our experience of the passing of time over recent months is perhaps unlike anything we have ever collectively known.
On the one hand, the experience of lockdown and restriction, and the absence of the rhythms of life, has almost dislocated us from the normal experience of the passing of time. On the other hand, the relocation of worship, work and social interaction to digital platforms has rapidly transformed the times in which we live.
These two things, alongside many others, are happening at one and the same time and we cannot yet tell how they will finally shape future times. Although we cannot tell how the future will unfold, what we can do is recognise that the kingdom of God is at hand and, in the light of this, resolve to journey with Jesus towards the place of the Cross.
The gift of time, in the light of God’s Kingdom, is an opportunity to live out our response to the Good News of Jesus.
Prayer
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
May we hear the call of Your Son
And turn once more to embrace the Good News He proclaims.
In the times in which we live,
Grant us grace to do so.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
Your Son has embraced time
And became truly human for us and for our salvation. As we face the hard
challenges of these days
May we know that we are embraced by Your Son.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
Be with those for whom this day is hard
And who long for respite.
Be with those who seek to bring healing and comfort
And grant them wisdom
and compassion to do so.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
Be with us as we resolve to journey with Your Son
In the days that lie before us.
Whether in the wilderness, or by the living waters,
May we know Your
presence ever renewed.
Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Signed by:
Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
Most Rev. Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman
Catholic Church
Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish
Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr David Miller, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
Rev. Neil MacMillan, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland
Rev. Paul Whittle, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)
Rev. Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland
Rev. Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)
Rev. Thomas R. Wilson, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland
Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army
Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Rev. Ruth Turner, District Superintendent, British Isles North District, Church of
the Nazarene
Pastor Chris Gbenle, Provincial Pastor, Province of Scotland, Redeemed Christian
Church of God
Bishop Francis Alao, Church of God (Scotland)/Minority Ethnic Churches
Together in Scotland (MECTIS)
Rev Fred Drummond, Director, Evangelical Alliance (Scotland)
Church restores obligation to attend Sunday Mass
Scotland’s Catholic Bishops have announced that the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is to be restored from Sunday 6th March.
Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference, says that the obligation to attend will apply “given the easing of restrictions in every other walk of life”.
He adds that the requirement to attend, “does not apply to those who are sick and their carers or to those aware of their greater vulnerability to the virus”. Read his pastoral letter below.
Pastoral Letter
On the Restoration of the Mass Obligation in the Dioceses of Scotland
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The obligation for Catholics to celebrate Sunday as a Holy Day by gathering together for Mass will be restored from the First Sunday in Lent, Sunday 6th March.
Given the easing of restrictions in every other walk of life, the Church looks forward to welcoming Catholics back to Holy Mass. As always, the obligation does not apply to those who are sick and their carers or to those aware of their greater vulnerability to the virus.
May the continuing recovery of our country bring new hope to us all especially those who are ill, those who mourn loved ones, those who are apprehensive and those who have sustained us in so many ways throughout the Pandemic.
We, the Bishops of Scotland, take this opportunity to thank our clergy and our parish volunteers for all their efforts. May our Lenten journey this year lead us to a renewed appreciation of our Catholic faith, of the celebration of the Eucharist and of the presence of the Risen Christ who is always at our side.
Bishop Hugh Gilbert
President
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
Bishops postpone return of Sunday Mass Obligation
The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has postponed the restoration of the Sunday Mass Obligation.
In a statement released today, they said: "At the beginning of Advent the Bishops of Scotland looked forward to welcoming the faithful back to Holy Mass and anticipated that the restoration of the Sunday Obligation might be possible as we begin the New Year.
"Sadly, there has been a serious worsening of the situation and the restoration of the obligation [which was set for Sunday 2 January] will be postponed until a more favourable time."
Holy Day
They added: "For us Sunday is always a Holy Day and we invite those who are unable to be with us in person to continue to join with us in prayer and spiritual communion either by personal or family prayers or by online celebrations of Mass.
"We ask everyone to continue to pray for a speedy end to the Pandemic and for the good health of you and your loved ones in 2022. We also pray for all those who passed during 2021 and those who grieve.
"May Our Lady Health of the Sick pray for us and may Saints Andrew and Margaret protect us."
There are no further changes for places of worship as regards Covid guidelines.
Parishes are asked to continue best practice by ensuring face coverings are worn (unless exempt), that buildings are well ventilated and that hand sanitizer (and masks) are made available at the church entrance. Tea/coffee gatherings after Mass are permitted.
'Celebrating The Sacraments is Central to Who We Are'
Archbishop Leo Cushley explains the importance of Catholics being able to gather together to worship Jesus Christ and receive the sacraments, in this edited BBC Radio Scotland interview with presenter Martin Geissler.
Interview first broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on 26 March 2021. Full interview, also featuring Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland can be found here for a limited time.
WATCH: Archbishop's message ahead of Holy Week
Archbishop Cushley has welcomed church re-openings and thanked clergy and volunteers in this video message for parishioners in our Archdiocese.
Church closures deemed unlawful in court challenge
The closure of places of worship by the Scottish Government has been deemed unlawful after a successful court challenge.
The action was brought by 27 leaders of Christian churches in Scotland and was supported by Canon Tom White, a priest of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
They argued that the decision to close churches was unconstitutional and infringed on the right to manifest their religion under article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Lord Braid agreed that the Government's emergency legislation went further than was lawfully allowed.
Catholic Church
No other Catholic clergy were part of the legal action. However, Archbishop Leo Cushley, Bishop John Keenan (Paisley) and Bishop Stephen Robson (Dunkeld) submitted affidavits (written statements).
Breaking: Lord Braid agreed the regulations that closed our churches went further than was lawfully allowed and were a disproportionate interference of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. pic.twitter.com/gH9SjwuQtG
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) March 24, 2021
Archbishop Cushley challenged the proportionality of criminalising the opening of churches, which the Scottish Government imposed without consultation.
He highlighted the lack of consultation with Bishops from the Government, the imposition of seemingly arbitrary numerical caps (50 and 20) and the characterisation of public worship as 'non-essential indoor contact'.
In his judgment, Lord Braid said: "The attendance at mass is seen as an essential, not optional, element of the Catholic faith...A consecrated church building is considered to be a sacred space. The sacramental grace cannot be received from a video-recorded or video-streamed service."
Speaking to the BBC, Canon Tom White, parish priest of St Alphonsus Church in Glasgow, said: "I'm overjoyed to hear that the court has understood the essential need to protect not only the physical and material health of our society but also its spiritual needs and therefore overturned the disproportionate, unnecessary and unlawful blanket ban on public worship."
Christians challenge legality of Scottish church closures
The decision to close churches in Scotland while others across Europe remained open is being challenged in a hearing today (Thursday 11 March).
A total of 27 church leaders from different Christian denominations across the country brought the action following the decision by the Scottish Government to criminalise public worship in churches as part of its lockdown restrictions.
They will contest State interference in the human right of religious freedom in Scotland at a time when churches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland remained open with safety measures in place.
The two-day full judicial review began at the Court of Session this morning. It comes just days after the announcement that places of worship can reopen on 26 March.
Canon Tom White, parish priest of St Alphonsus' Church in Glasgow, is one of those taking part in the judicial review.
A Glasgow priest has launched legal action against Covid-19 related church closures. Scottish worshippers currently face criminal penalties for going to church, in contrast to their English neighbours who can attend with safety measures in place.#ADFInternationalpic.twitter.com/lJVs3ia5bu
No other Catholic clergy are part of the legal action. However three bishops, including Archbishop Leo Cushley, have individually submitted affidavits (written statements).
In his affidavit, submitted in a personal capacity, Archbishop Cushley challenges the proportionality of criminalising the opening of churches, which the Scottish Government imposed without consultation.
He does not dispute whether or not churches should be open or closed at this time but instead highlights the lack of consultation with Bishops from the Government, the imposition of seemingly arbitrary numerical caps (50 and 20) and the characterisation of public worship as 'non-essential indoor contact'.
If successful, the judicial review could see the Scottish Government's blanket ban on public worship due to the Covid-19 pandemic deemed unlawful.
Here's a look at just some of the news from across the Archdiocese in an eventful 2020.
January
-Parishioners from across the Archdiocese came together to attend the annual pro-life Mass at St Margaret’s Chapel in the Gillis Centre, followed by a chance to socialise.
-The Requiem Mass for the Very Rev James Canon Friel, who died aged 86, took place at St Mary’s Church in Haddington, with burial at St Mary’s Cemetery.
-The Very Reverend Nick Welsh, then parish priest at Our Lady & St Andrew in Galashiels, was appointed the Vicar Episcopal for Catholic Education for the Archdiocese.
Education team revamp to benefit schools - Archdiocese of Edinburgh. Congratulations to former St. Modan’s pupil, Fr. Nick Welsh, on his fantastic new appointment ???????? https://t.co/2nbbiikN8A
— St Modan's English, RE and Literacy (@StModanEnglish) January 13, 2020
-Archbishop Leo Cushley headed to Washington as part of a week-long stint at the International Commission of English in the Liturgy (ICEL).
-Professor David Jones was the keynote speaker at an Archdiocesan Bioethics Day held at the Gillis Centre, Edinburgh
1/3 Thanks to academic and author Professor David Jones, who spoke about the Catholic View of Assisted Suicide at our Bioethics Day in Edinburgh on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/buvqwPiw1R
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) January 27, 2020
-Archbishop Leo Cushley paid tribute to the role of the Augustinian community at the Annual Day for Religious in Edinburgh.
1/3 Thanks to the religious brothers and sisters who gathered in Edinburgh for our Annual Day for Religious! pic.twitter.com/ueZsjPPjLC
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) January 31, 2020
February
-The first 'Ask Me Anything' event was held by our vocations team and featured Sister Mary Margaret, of the Sisters of Nazareth in Bonnyrigg.
?"What's it like being a religious sister?"
?"Do you get to go to the movies?"
?"Have you ever fallen in love?"
Ask a religious sister ANYTHING at our new Q&A event TONIGHT
-The UK’s leading Catholic university announced it will launch postgraduate courses in Scotland for the first time. St Mary’s University, Twickenham, agreed arrangements with the Archdiocese for a range of subjects to be taught at the Gillis Centre.
We did it (again!) Such an honour to be opening this campus in Scotland with the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh https://t.co/SWxI5vc7gk
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) March 2, 2020
-Dr Adrian Treloar and Sister Andrea Fraile spoke at the Archdiocesan mini-symposium on gender theory at the Gillis Centre.
Thanks to Dr Adrian Treloar and Sister Andrea Fraile for speaking at our mini-symposium on gender theory in Edinburgh recently. pic.twitter.com/qNSXy1U2Yc
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) March 3, 2020
-Parishioners paid tributeto the positive impact of the Augustinians as the order left St Joseph’s, Broomhouse, after 25 years.
On this solemnity of St Joseph, we bid farewell to the @AugustiniansUK at St Joseph’s, Sighthill.
-Archbishop Cushley released this message to parishioners following the suspension of public Mass due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Following today’s announcement on the temporary suspension of public Mass, here’s my message to Catholics in our Archdiocese. pic.twitter.com/09g86OVgzr
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) April 20, 2020
-Tributes were paid to Sister Mary Steedman RSM (Sisters of Mercy) who passed away peacefully at the Rosehill Care Home in Dalkeith. She was 86 and had cancer.
Sr Mary Steedman RSM died peacefully yesterday (Monday) in Dalkeith. She was 86 and had cancer. Sr Aelred Timmons RSM, said: "She was outgoing and a great Sister of Mercy - she was so committed to the Mercy ministry and a very good person."
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) April 21, 2020
May
-Fr Chris Heenan of St Margaret's Church in Dunfermline became a social media hit after performing with his accordian on Facebook to lift spirits during lockdown.
A cheeky comment from a pensioner inspired Fr Chris Heenan of @StMargaretpilg1 to play music sessions on FB during lockdown. Now requests are flooding in ? pic.twitter.com/yV5ekuiCDU
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) April 28, 2020
-Archbishop Cushley rededicated the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of Our Lady of Fátima.
-Tributes were paid to a priest of our diocese who served the poor in Central America. Fr Thomas Greenan died peacefully at St Margaret’s Care Home in Edinburgh. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s and was 64 years old.
He attended the Scots College in Valladolid, along with Bishop Joseph Toal of @rcmotherwell who said: "When Tommy wanted to do something he gave himself to it 100 per cent." pic.twitter.com/zppx9UTMIU
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) May 18, 2020
-St Joseph's in Peebles opened its doors to welcome the local Foodbank who urgently needed a new location due to spiralling demand during the Covid-19 lockdown.
June
-Sr Aelrid Timmins, of the Sisters of Mercy in Edinburgh, appeared on a BBC religious programme to explain the founding of the Order.
In 1993, the Sisters of Mercy in Edinburgh wanted to help the homeless. But with so few of them, how could it be done? Sr Aelred Timmins of St Catharine's Mercy Centre explains how trust in God's divine providence, inspired by St Catharine, became the catalyst! With @wmartinfairpic.twitter.com/Kzi5cqREYR
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) May 20, 2020
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) June 18, 2020
-Fr Nick Welsh was chosen by the Bishops' Conference of Scotland to be the new vice rector of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome.
-Archbishop Cushley appeared on BBC Radio Scotland to share his thoughts on what the gradual easing of lockdown might mean for Catholic churches in Scotland.
AUDIO: Archbishop Cushley has shared his thoughts on what the gradual easing of lockdown might mean for Catholic churches in Scotland.https://t.co/mXChBTq8Tl
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) June 15, 2020
July
-A Lourdes pilgrim was delighted when her idea to request a plenary indulgence for those attending a virtual pilgrimage in the Archdiocese was granted by the Vatican.
Great news! The Archdiocesan Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage begins on Friday. https://t.co/LIWneauGDv
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) July 8, 2020
-The Archdiocese said farewell to Fr John O’Connor OP, parish priest and superior at St Albert's Chaplaincy at the University of Edinburgh, who was appointed to a new post in Oxford.
Best wishes to Fr John who is set to return to Oxford next week after being appointed Regent of Studies for the English Dominican Province @English_OPhttps://t.co/vDQjGjDGn4
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) July 21, 2020
-A Midnight Mass at St Mary's Cathedral marked the return of public worship in Edinburgh.
-Family and friends celebrated the ordination of Fr Samuel Burke OP to the Sacred Priesthood at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Congratulations to Father Samuel Burke OP, ordained to the Sacred Priesthood today at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh. ???
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) July 25, 2020
August
-The Archdiocese welcomed two new deacons at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh - Martin Eckersley and Bobby Taylor.
Congratulations to Bobby Taylor and Martin Eckersley who were ordained deacons today at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh! ?? Click link for full pic gallery.https://t.co/57BdMDhQ56
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) August 1, 2020
-Sunday Rosary sessions helped inspire parishioners in Queensferry, Dalmeny and Kirkliston to create a cookbook. Over thirty budding chefs got creative to raise funds for St Margaret's Parish.
Find out how the Rosary helped inspire recipes at St Margaret's Church in South Queensferry where parishioners have compiled a cookbook to raise parish funds. https://t.co/iJt6Bqj1B4pic.twitter.com/JtMGWUETKa
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) August 18, 2020
-Tributes were paid to Father Donald McGlynn OCSO, Abbot emeritus of Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw in East Lothian, who died aged 86 and who had been a member of the Cistercians for over 65 years.
Father Donald McGlynn RIP
Please keep in your prayers Father Donald McGlynn OCSO, Abbot emeritus of Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, in East Lothian, who died on Thursday evening. He was 86 and had been a member of the Cistercians for over 65 years. pic.twitter.com/54oDV5lwIu
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) August 29, 2020
September
-Holy Mass with Archbishop Cushley was broadcast on national TV. The Catholic Church in Scotland welcomed more religious coverage on the channel during lockdown.
Sunday Mass with Archbishop Cushley is now available to watch on the BBC iPlayer (online).
Many thanks to Rory Lamb (cantor), Tom Wilkinson (organ) and director of music Michael Ferguson of St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh for the wonderful hymns.https://t.co/03V0IeH5GIpic.twitter.com/ao0PJdHbya
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) September 6, 2020
-Tributes were paid to Sr Immaculata Murray RSM who died on 12 September. She was 93.
Archbishop Cushley said: "Sr Immaculata was a lovely, devout and energetic Sister of Mercy. May she rest in peace."
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) September 18, 2020
-On the tenth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic journey to the UK, Archbishop Cushley reflected on the historic visit.
-The Archdiocese welcomed three Religious Sisters of Mercy (RSM) to Edinburgh - Sr Edith Mary was appointed Clergy Welfare Co-ordinator (assisting retired clergy) Sr Anna Marie became Catechetics Advisor, while and Sr Miriam Fidelis was appointed to assist at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.
October
-Tributes were paid to Fr Hugh Purcell who died at St John Vianney’s parish house in Gilmerton, Edinburgh. He was 62 years old.
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) October 7, 2020
-Fr Andrew Garden hosted a Zoom event on St Mark's Gospel, to help prepare people for a new liturgical year.
You can now watch last night's Zoom event on St Mark's Gospel to help prepare yourself for the new liturgical year. Thanks to Fr Andrew Garden, our Catechetics Commission and everyone who joined us! ?https://t.co/zijbXd5XwWpic.twitter.com/PR5TSWCyWH
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) October 20, 2020
-The Religious Sisters of Mercy (RSM) led the Archdiocese in prayer as part of the National Rosary Relay Rally.
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) October 31, 2020
November
-Catherine Wylie, of the Catholic Grandparents Association, hosted an event for grandparents' on their mission in the Church and family.
? Grandparents!
Join for our Zoom event with Catherine Wylie of the Catholic Grandparents Association. She will present a vision of your important ministry in the Church and your families.
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) October 22, 2020
-Four areas in the Archdiocese were moved into level four restrictions, reducing Mass attendance from 50 to 20.
Four areas in our diocese will move up to Level 4 restrictions from Friday: Stirling, West Lothian, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire. This means Mass numbers will be restricted to 20 people in those areas only.
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) November 17, 2020
-A Great Toy Giveaway appeal saw hundreds of gifts donated to St Francis Xavier's Parish in Falkirk.
-Four priests were renewed in their roles as Vicar Episcopal for the Archdiocese: Frs Basil Clark (Caritas, Justice & Peace), Daniel Doherty (Catechetics), Jeremy Milne (Marriage & Families) and Jeremy Bath (Ecumenism).
-A pro-life Advent Rosary was held over four weeks to pray for the unborn and their mothers and all pro-life intentions.
Join our Advent Rosary for Life to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. Each Monday throughout Advent.
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) November 30, 2020
December
-Level 4 restrictions were lifted for several parts of the Archdiocese, meaning many parishes returned to having a maximum of 50 people at Mass.
COVID19 UPDATE: From this Friday at 6pm, Level 4 restrictions will be lifted. It means all parishes in the Archdiocese can return to having a maximum of 50 people at Mass. pic.twitter.com/cV1nvCjVyq
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) December 8, 2020
-A national pastoral letterfrom Scotland's Catholic Bishops highlighted “reasons for hope, as we live through these difficult times”.
A new Pastoral Letter from @BishopsScotland gives us reasons for hope amidst Covid-19.
➡ Reassurance over C19 Vaccine.
➡ Society "rediscovering" universal human dignity.
➡ Greater appreciation of faith's impact on society.