The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal, 21 June 2026

Gospel
Matthew 10:26-33
‘Do not fear those who kill the body.’

At that time: Jesus instructed his Apostles: ‘Have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father knowing. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.’

Pope Leo XIV has sent his blessing to all those preparing to mark Day for Life 2026.

Reflecting on this year's theme, *The Wonder of the Child in the Womb*, the Holy Father reminds us that every human being is endowed with an infinite dignity "simply by virtue of existing, of having been willed, created and loved by God."

Pope Leo also offers his prayers for parents who have experienced the loss of a child, asking that they may find comfort, peace and support through the life of the Church.

As we prepare for Day for Life this Sunday, 21 June, let us continue to bear witness to the wonder and dignity of every human life.

#DayForLife #DayForLife2026

Scotland’s story of faith has been shaped by countless saints, some whose names we know and many whose names are known only to God.

This thoughtful reflection from EWTN GB reminds us that the Catholic faith in Scotland is a rich inheritance, passed down through generations of missionaries, martyrs, kings, queens and ordinary believers whose witness continues to inspire us today.

As we continue to reflect on the recently celebrated Feast of All Saints of Scotland, may their courage, faith and perseverance encourage us to live our own call to holiness in the world today.

📖 Read the full article below.

🙏 All you holy saints of Scotland, named and unnamed, pray for us.


Some saints changed history; others lived hidden lives of faith. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has established a new feast day to honour those who shaped Scotland's faith and inspire those who carry it forward today.

👉 Read more: https://ewtn.co.uk/article-gb-a-feast-day-for-all-saints-of-scotland/

#catholicsaints

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

In recent weeks, discussions about our diocesan structures have taken place among the clergy, religious and lay faithful in all of Scotland's eight dioceses. Following these local consultations, the bishops devoted significant time at the recent Bishops’ Conference meeting to prayerfully reflecting on the contents of these reports. The Conversation in the Spirit prayer method has proved particularly fruitful in providing rich insight and direction at this stage of our discernment.

What emerged from local reports were encouraging areas of convergence. There is a clear desire to see this process as more than a consideration of administrative structures alone. Rather, it presents an important opportunity to reflect afresh on our mission and vision as the Church in Scotland and on how we can best proclaim the Gospel in our time.

The bishops recognised a strong appreciation for greater collaboration across dioceses, including the sharing of curial resources and expertise, enabling us to support one another more effectively. We also acknowledge strong local identities which are tied to each diocesan community.

Above all, there was a shared conviction that this moment can help renew our commitment to evangelisation and to the Church’s mission of bringing the hope of the Gospel to every corner of our nation.

We thank all those who contributed their voices to this important consultation and for generously sharing feedback as the fruit of sincere Spirit-led prayer.

As bishops, we will continue our reflections in the months ahead, and look forward to hearing further views from all those involved, as we evaluate concrete options to present to the Holy See towards the end of the year. In harmony with the hopes of the Holy See, we look forward to continuing this process as a synodal journey with the active participation of clergy and faithful.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to listen attentively to God’s will and to each other as we move forward together with faith, hope and confidence.

Bishop John Keenan
President, Bishops’ Conference of Scotland