Gospel of the day (John 1:29-34)

At that time: John saw Jesus coming towards him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptising with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptise with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptises with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’

Today we honour Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, close friends and towering figures of the early Church. United by a deep love of Christ, they helped shape Christian theology at a time of intense division and confusion.

Saint Basil laid the foundations of Eastern monastic life, combining prayer with tireless service of the poor, while boldly defending the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy. Saint Gregory, known as the Theologian, used his extraordinary gift for preaching to proclaim the mystery of the Holy Trinity with clarity and courage.

Together, they stood firm for the truth of the faith, even when misunderstood or opposed, leaving a legacy that continues to guide the Church today.

Saints Basil and Gregory, pray for us.

Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for January 2026

For prayer with the Word of God
Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

Gospel of the Day (Luke 2:16-21)

At that time: The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

As one year gives way to the next, there’s a quiet invitation to slow down. Before thinking about what lies ahead, it can be worth spending time with what has already been lived, noticing what has shaped us, strengthened us, and revealed something deeper about who we are becoming.

The Examen offers a simple and prayerful way to do this. It helps us look at our days with honesty and gratitude, paying attention to moments of consolation and challenge, and recognising how God has been present even when we didn’t immediately notice.

Rather than rushing forward, we can step into the new year grounded in awareness and hope, carrying what has been learned, trusting in God’s guidance, and remaining attentive to His presence in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.

Bishops of Scotland Congratulate Lady Rita Rae CBE on receiving Honour from The King

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland warmly congratulates Lady Rita Rae on her appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in The King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Lady Rae has given outstanding service to the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Scotland. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) and as Vice Chair of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society, bringing wisdom, integrity, and a profound commitment to the protection and dignity of children and vulnerable people. She has also served the Church as a member of the national tribunal, as a board member of the Glasgow Archdiocesan newspaper Flourish and has given longstanding support for adoption and family services.

Alongside her service to the Catholic Church, Lady Rae has had a distinguished career in public life. She served as a Senator of the College of Justice and High Court judge, was the first working female Rector of the University of Glasgow, and she continues to support young people and students through education, mentoring, and scholarships.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:
“This honour recognises Lady Rae’s faithful service to the Church and her tireless commitment to justice, safeguarding, and the dignity of the human person. She is a most deserving recipient of this high honour.”

Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop with Episcopal responsibility for safeguarding, said:
“Lady Rae’s leadership and independent scrutiny have driven the Church’s safeguarding practices to the highest standards. Her clarity, compassion, and determination have deepened the Church’s commitment to care and protection for all, reminding us of our constant need to accompany survivors and maintain robust policies and procedures.”

Archbishop William Nolan, the Archbishop of Glasgow, said:
“The honour bestowed on Lady Rae is richly deserved. She has worked tirelessly for charities over the years including St Margaret’s Adoption Society and has greatly assisted the Scottish Bishops in their ongoing commitment to safeguarding. Her honour will be widely welcomed.”

The Bishops of Scotland assure Lady Rae of their prayers and congratulations.