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.

EVENTS

2025 JUBILEE YEAR - OPENING OF FIVE HOLY DOORS IN ROME

The rite of opening the Holy Doors of the main basilicas of Rome to inaugurate the 2025 Jubilee Year is perhaps one of the most solemn events of the Catholic Church, with centuries of tradition.

The pilgrimage to the Holy Doors of the papal basilicas in Rome is a central act of the jubilee. Passing through them during the holy year symbolises entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion.

On Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. local time, Pope Francis will open the first and most important of them, that of St. Peter’s Basilica, beginning the Jubilee of Hope 2025, in which 30 million people are expected to participate. Later that evening he will celebrate Christmas Mass, the Nativity of Our Lord.

On Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door in the Rebibbia Prison in Our Father church.

On Sunday, Dec. 29, the Holy Door of Rome’s cathedral, St. John Lateran Basilica, will open.

On Jan. 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Pope Francis will also open the Holy Door of St. Mary Major Basilica.

The last door to open will be that of the fourth main basilica of the Eternal City, St. Paul Outside the Walls, on Jan. 5.

BISHOPS RELEASE STATEMENT ON FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION AND JUST TRANSITION

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCOS) have released a statement encouraging world leaders to agree to and establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, committing all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels. The statement, which is released to mark the COP29 climate summit taking place in Azerbaijan from 11th – 22nd November, calls on Scotland to play its role in realising the common good by participating in a swift transition away from fossil fuels to protect people and our planet, both now and in the future, from further global warming caused by fossil fuel extraction. Crucially, in recognising the workers and communities in Scotland who rely on fossil fuel industries for their livelihood, the statement emphasises that any such transition must have justice at its core and ensure that no one is left behind, particularly those currently employed in this sector who must be ensured secure work in the move towards renewables. The full text of the statement can be downloaded here.

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

July 2024

19Jul

Catholic Grandparents Association – Keeping Prayer at the Heart of Family Life

19 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This year the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on Sunday 28th July.

Ways to celebrate:

Sunday Mass: Invite your grandchildren and family to attend with you, a wonderful way to start the day’s celebration.

Prayer: Take time to pray as a family and individually, giving thanks for our grandparents and elderly that we know of. Find some prayer resources below.

Family Dinner: Make time for a family dinner over the weekend where every member and generation of the family are invited.

Parish Picnic: After the Mass on the Sunday, bring the families and elderly parishioners together for a picnic in the parish garden or in the local park if there is one close by. Maybe the young people can help serve.

Visit the elderly: Visit one of your elderly relatives or someone in the parish who doesn’t have family nearby. You could encourage children to make cards for the elderly on your street.

For more information visit the Catholic Grandparents Associate for England: http://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org

Dear Lord, We thank you for grandparents and elderly relatives throughout the world, their lives and their vocation. We are grateful for their love, care and the advice that they give to each of us. Protect them dear Lord, in all that they do, as we continue to be blessed by their wisdom in our communities. Guide them in their earthly pilgrimage and always keep them close to your heart, so that they continue to generously respond to your call. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Meeting for those responsible for The Pastoral Care of The Elderly in The Episcopal Conferences Read More Pope: The elderly are the ‘firm foundation’ of the future Read More Pope Francis’ Message for the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Read More ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE F...

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19Jul

Participants in World Grandparents Day granted Plenary Indulgence - Vatican News

19 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican
Holy Mass for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday 28th July 3pm at Carfin celebrated by Bishop Keenan

The Apostolic Penitentiary grants a Plenary Indulgence for the faithful who take part in the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July ...

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19Jul

Pope: 'May 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris promote esteem and harmony' - Vatican News

19 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-07/pope-francis-greets-2024-summer-olympic-games-in-paris.html

Pope Francis sends warms greetings and prayers for the Mass of Peace ahead of the imminent 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, wishing that ...

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17Jul

Pope Francis: Listen to women, often overlooked and undervalued - Vatican News

17 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-07/pope-francis-women-dialogue-ministries-synod.html

Pope Francis writes the preface for a book entitled “Women and Ministries in the Synodal Church,” authored by two cardinals and three female ...

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17Jul

Press Statement – Anscombe Centre Publishes Guide on Scottish Assisted Suicide Consultation & Calls for Public Engagement | Ansc...

17 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.bioethics.org.uk/news-events/news-from-the-centre/press-statement-anscombe-centre-publishes-guide-on-scottish-assisted-suicide-consultation-calls-for-public-engagement/

On 07 June, the Health, Sport and Social Care Committee of the Scottish Parliament opened a call for evidence on Liam McArthur MSP’s ‘Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill’.

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17Jul

Not Dead Yet UK

17 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://notdeadyetuk.co.uk/

We are a UK-based network who are part of a global alliance of disabled people, who oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide. But what are the reasons behind our position?

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16Jul

Our Lady of Mount Carmel | Franciscan Media

16 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-mount-carmel/

The Blessed Virgin has many, many titles--among them is Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel is in northern Israel and has long been the site of a monastery of religious monks. The entire Church celebrates this feast along with the Carmelite Monks and Nuns.

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13Jul

Sea Sunday 14th July 2024

13 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday/?utm_source=CATHOLIC+NETWORK&utm_campaign=940d4c941d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_11_02_08_53_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ed6d059f57-940d4c941d-576190010

Join us as we come together to pray for seafarers and fishers, and thank them for their vital role in our lives.

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13Jul

Holy See: Supporting developing countries is a 'moral imperative' - Vatican News

13 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-07/holy-see-supporting-developing-countries-is-a-moral-imperative.html

The Vatican's Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, addresses the 2024 High-Level Political Forum in New York, urging ...

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11Jul

Integral Human Development: a Holistic Approach to Restoring Dignity | SCIAF

11 Jul, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This document is a high-level summary and draws on Integral Human Development to outline a vision for the Loss and Damage fund which will truly deliver holistic solutions for people.

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