The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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.

Presidential post for Missio Scotland's Gerard!

@followers


THERE was a resounding endorsement of the work of Missio Scotland at the recent meeting of the European Conference of the Missionary Children Society (CEME) recently, as Communications Officer, Gerard Gough, was appointed as its new president.

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀

The bishops of Scotland have begun a period of consultation with clergy and religious as part of their careful consideration of the revised translation of the Liturgy of the Hours, an essential element of the Church’s daily prayer. A one-week sample of the Divine Office has now been distributed digitally, enabling clergy and religious to pray with the text and offer their reflections and feedback.

The Church actively encourages all the People of God to pray the Divine Office as a way of nourishing their spiritual lives and deepening communion with the universal Church. For clergy and religious, however, the Liturgy of the Hours holds a uniquely central place. Through their ordination or profession, they undertake a solemn commitment to pray the Office each day for the Church and for the world. It is therefore not only a liturgical duty, but also an intimate and deeply personal part of their daily prayer.

In light of this, the bishops emphasise the importance of this consultation. The lived experience of clergy and religious, who pray the Office daily, will offer rich and invaluable insight.

This period of reflection will help ensure that any future decision supports the spiritual life of clergy and religious while also serving the wider mission of the Church, strengthening the rhythm of prayer that unites clergy, religious, and faithful alike.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church invites us to listen for the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who continues to call men to follow Him and serve His people.

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge in your heart, a sense that God might be asking something more of you?

The call to the priesthood often begins gently. It can grow through prayer, through serving others, or through a deep desire to give your life completely to Christ and His Church. If you have been wondering whether God could be calling you to become a priest, you are not alone.

Here in Scotland, we give thanks that just last year four men were ordained to the sacred priesthood. Their “yes” is a reminder that Christ is still calling, and that His voice is still heard today.

The next step is simple. Speak to someone. Each diocese in Scotland has a Vocations Director who is there to listen, to guide you, and to help you discern what God is asking of you.

If you are considering this call, take that step and get in touch today.
Visit https://priestsforscotland.org.uk/diocesan-vocations-directors/ to find the contact details for your diocesan Vocations Director.

Come and see where the Lord may be leading you.
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