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The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

25th May 2026



25 May 2026

First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

The Bishops of Scotland warmly welcome Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, as a timely and insightful contribution to one of the defining questions of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes human life, this important document calls us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological advance.

We encourage the faithful, our schools and parish communities to read, study and pray with this landmark text.

To support this, the Office of Communications and Evangelisation will soon publish a parish study guide and other resources for small groups and parish use, helping communities to reflect more deeply on the opportunities and challenges of new technologies and their impact on human life.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland


Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

News from the Commissions and Agencies

June 2026
Today we celebrate St Columba, one of Scotland's patron saints and one of the greatest missionaries of the early Church.

Born in Gartan, County Donegal, in 521, Columba – known in Irish as *Colum Cille* or "Dove of the Church" – left Ireland and sailed with twelve companions to the island of Iona in 563. From this small island off Scotland's west coast, he established a monastery that became a centre of prayer, learning and evangelisation.

St Columba dedicated his life to preaching Christ and sharing the Gospel among the peoples of Scotland. Through his faith, leadership and missionary zeal, Iona became the spiritual heart of the Scottish Church, and generations of missionaries carried his work throughout Scotland and beyond.

Known for his deep prayer, love of Scripture, care for the poor and compassion for those in need, St Columba combined great strength of character with remarkable gentleness. His witness continues to inspire Christians more than fourteen centuries after his death.

As we celebrate his feast day, let us give thanks for the faith he helped establish in our land and pray for a renewed spirit of missionary discipleship in Scotland today.

St Columba, pray for us.

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Gospel
Mark 10:17-30
‘Sell all that you have, and follow me.’

At that time: As Jesus was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: “Do not murder; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Do not defraud; Honour your father and mother.' And he said to him, ‘Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.’ And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’ And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’ Peter began to say to him, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers or sisters, or mother or father, or children, or lands for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’

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Yesterday, Catholics across Scotland took to the streets to celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, publicly witnessing to their faith in Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist.

From cities, towns and villages, clergy, religious and lay faithful gathered for Eucharistic processions, carrying the Blessed Sacrament through local communities in prayer, worship and thanksgiving.

These processions are a powerful reminder that our faith is not something confined to church buildings but is lived, shared and proclaimed in the heart of our communities.

Thank you to everyone who organised, participated in and supported Corpus Christi celebrations across the country.

📸 We would love to see your photos from Corpus Christi processions in your parish. Share them in the comments below.















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A joyful day for the parish community of St Mary's Lanark, as eight parishioners were presented with the Benemerenti Medal by Bishop Joseph Toal in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church.

The church was filled for a beautiful celebration of Mass, during which Fr John Paul spoke about the contribution each recipient has made to parish life and the reasons for their award. It was a moving occasion for all present and a fitting tribute to those whose faith, commitment and generosity have helped shape the life of the parish over many years.

Congratulations to all the recipients on this well deserved recognition.

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Holy Mass of Monday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time | 08 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’

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Yesterday, people from across Scotland gathered for the Festival of Synodality, a day of prayer, reflection and conversation centred on what it means to journey together as the Church.

Through talks, workshops and conversations in the Spirit, participants explored how we can listen more deeply to one another, strengthen collaboration between clergy and laity, and recognise the gifts and talents present within our communities.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a positive and hope-filled experience.

"There is hope for the Church. The Holy Spirit is working."























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Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal - 7 June 2026

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Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal - 7 June 2026

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Holy Mass of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi | 07 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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