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.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

22nd October 2026

22 October 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has announced that he is stepping back from his daily duties until further notice, following medical advice.

Bishop Keenan has been undergoing medical investigations and will require further tests and examinations over the coming weeks.

During this time, Vicar General Monsignor Joe Burke will oversee the day-to-day running of the Diocese of Paisley.

Bishop Keenan hopes to provide a further update once these investigations are concluded and is grateful for your prayers at this time.

...ENDS

Notes for editors

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

20th October 2026

20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

Welcoming the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

September 2026

30Sep

Gospel Luke 9:57-62

30 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel Luke 9:57-62
‘I will follow you wherever you go.’

At that time: As Jesus and his disciples were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’

29Sep

From his arrival at the Sanctuary and prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle, to the celebration of Holy Mass, his meeting with sic...

29 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

From his arrival at the Sanctuary and prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle, to the celebration of Holy Mass, his meeting with sick and disabled pilgrims at the Accueil Notre-Dame, and the Torchlight Marian Procession — these are some of the highlights from Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes.

Pilgrims from across the world gathered to welcome the Holy Father for a remarkable two days of prayer, encounter and pilgrimage at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Watch the highlights from Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes.

#PopeLeoXIV #Lourdes #OurLadyOfLourdes #CatholicChurch #ApostolicVisit

29Sep

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the three Archangels named in Sacred Scripture

29 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the three Archangels named in Sacred Scripture.

The word “angel” means messenger, and throughout Scripture angels appear as servants of God who carry out his will. Among them, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are each entrusted with a particular mission.

Saint Michael appears in the Book of Daniel as the great prince who defends God’s people. In the Book of Revelation, he leads the heavenly armies in battle against the forces of evil. Devotion to Saint Michael is one of the Church’s oldest angelic devotions and he is traditionally invoked for protection and strength in spiritual battle.

Saint Gabriel is also mentioned in Daniel, but is best known from the Gospel of Luke. It is Gabriel who announces the birth of Saint John the Baptist to Zechariah and who is sent by God to Nazareth to announce to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she will become the Mother of Jesus. His greeting, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” has echoed through the prayer of the Church ever since.

Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, where he accompanies the young Tobias on his journey, helps bring about his marriage to Sarah and restores the sight of his father Tobit. His name means “God heals”, and he is especially associated with healing, guidance and protection for travellers.

For centuries the three Archangels were honoured on separate days. In the revision of the Roman calendar following the Second Vatican Council, their celebrations were brought together on 29 September.

Today we give thanks for the unseen ministry of the angels and ask Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael to accompany us in faith, protect us from evil, guide us in God’s ways and help lead us closer to Christ.

🙏 Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, pray for us.

29Sep

Gospel John 1:47-51

29 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel John 1:47-51
‘You will see the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’

At that time: Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered him, ‘Because I said to you, “I saw you under the fig tree”, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’

28Sep

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28 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Lourdes by joining pilgrims for the traditional Torchlight Marian Procession.

As thousands gathered with candles raised across the Sanctuary, the evening became a powerful moment of prayer, devotion and unity around Our Lady.

A beautiful way to bring the Holy Father’s time in Lourdes to a close.

Here are some of the highlights from the procession.
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28Sep

Gospel Luke 9:46-50

28 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel Luke 9:46-50
‘He who is least among you all is the one who is great.’

At that time: An argument arose among the disciples as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among all of you is the one who is great.’
John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.’

27Sep

Rosary procession and torchlight procession in Lourdes

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

27Sep

From Scotland to Lourdes

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

From Scotland to Lourdes. 🏴🇻🇦

We spoke to one Scottish pilgrim who shared why she made the journey to Lourdes and why this special place means so much to her.

For her, Lourdes is a place of prayer, peace and deep personal significance — and being here for the visit of Pope Leo XIV makes this pilgrimage even more memorable.

A beautiful reflection from one of the many pilgrims gathered here from across the world.

#Lourdes #PopeLeoXIV #CatholicScotland #PopeInLourdes

27Sep

Photos from Knights of St Columba's post

27 Sep, 2026 | Knights of St Columba | BCoS Facebook |

🌿🏆 Celebrating a Wonderful Achievement! 🏆🌿

Unfortunately, as an Order, we don’t always highlight all the wonderful things we support. Sometimes we’re simply not ones for making a fuss — but there are occasions that deserve to be celebrated! 🙏

One such occasion is the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Design a Garden Competition, where Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Primary School were crowned this year’s winners! 🎉🌸

Brothers Michael Roache and Des Hamill were privileged to help present the top prize of £250, along with a beautiful trophy featuring St Carlo Acutis. 🏆

A fantastic achievement by the Ignite pupils, who should be incredibly proud of their creativity, hard work and dedication. 👏🌿

From the Knights of St. Columba, a huge congratulations to everyone involved!

27Sep

LIVE: Pope Leo presides over Mass from the Sanctuary of Lourdes

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes this morning.