The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
John 15:9-11
‘Abide in my love, that your joy may be full.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’

Young people from St James’, Coatbridge, recently spent a day in St Andrews as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Primary 7 confirmandi completed their St Carlo Acutis “Highway to Heaven” passports during the visit, marking an important step in their journey of faith.

The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh is hosting a Family Picnic and Vigil Mass on Saturday 9 May 2026 at 1:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.

The day will include children’s catechesis, talks for adults, a Rosary procession, and Vigil Mass at 4:00pm. It offers an opportunity for families to gather in faith during the month of May, with a focus on Our Lady and the life of the Church.

The programme will be led by Fr Benedict Iwatt of the Marriage and Family Commission, alongside Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM, Director of Catechetics.

Places are going fast so register now for this FREE event at bit.ly/archpicnic26

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is looking for a creative and skilled Video Editor to support its growing digital communications work.

This is a part-time role (24 hours per week), offering hybrid/remote working, with occasional travel for events and broadcasts.

You’ll play a key role in producing engaging video content that communicates the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

🎬 What we’re looking for:
• Strong video editing skills with a clear sense of storytelling
• Experience creating content for social and digital platforms
• Confidence using editing software
• Good understanding of audience engagement

📅 Deadline: Friday 29 May 2026
📧 Apply with a CV, cover letter and portfolio to: [email protected]

👉 Find out more and apply: https://www.bcos.org.uk/vacancies

Please share with anyone who may be interested.

Athanasius of Alexandria lived a life marked by both turmoil and deep commitment to the Church. He became one of the foremost defenders of Christian belief against Arianism, a teaching associated with Arius that denied the full divinity of Jesus. His powerful and persistent writings later earned him recognition as a Doctor of the Church.

Born into a Christian family in Alexandria and educated in classical learning, Athanasius became secretary to Alexander of Alexandria. He was ordained a priest and eventually succeeded him as bishop. Alexander had already opposed the growing influence of Arianism, a struggle Athanasius would inherit and intensify.

As bishop, Athanasius continued this defence of orthodox teaching. Although it initially seemed that Arianism would be swiftly defeated, events unfolded differently. The Council of Tyre led to his exile by Constantine the Great to northern Gaul—one of several exiles he would endure, echoing in some ways the missionary hardships of Paul the Apostle.

After Constantine’s death, his son briefly restored Athanasius to his position, but he was soon removed again by Arian supporters. He appealed to Rome, where Pope Julius I convened a synod to examine the case.

In total, Athanasius was exiled five times because of his unwavering defence of Christ’s divinity. Yet during a period of about ten years, he experienced relative peace, dedicating himself to writing, teaching, and encouraging a form of Christian life inspired by monastic ideals.

Much of his theological and historical work was written in direct opposition to Arianism. Among his spiritual writings, his biography of Anthony the Great became widely influential, helping to spread monasticism throughout the Western Church.