The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Pilgrims from across Scotland gathered in Lourdes for the opening liturgy of this year’s HCPT pilgrimage, marking the beginning of a special week together.

Led by Fr Martin Delaney, the liturgy welcomed groups who have travelled from across the country, joining with many others who have made their way to Lourdes for the week ahead. It was a moment of welcome, prayer, and anticipation as the pilgrimage begins.

Later in the week, the Trust Mass will be led by Archbishop Leo Cushley, President of HCPT.

HCPT brings children and adults with varying needs, along with volunteer helpers, to Lourdes each year. Through the generosity of supporters and the dedication of volunteers, it offers a week of friendship, care, and joy.

Please keep all those on pilgrimage in your prayers this week.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲: 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

Across Scotland, as in many other parts of the world, large numbers will be received into the Church at tonight’s Easter Vigil, a clear and encouraging sign of growth and renewal in our Catholic faith.

This evening, churches throughout the world will gather for the Easter Vigil, a celebration centred on new life. Here in Scotland, that message is being lived out in a very real way, as men and women take this next step and begin a new chapter in their journey of faith.

It is a moment of quiet hope and great joy for the Church and a reminder that faith continues to root and grow in our communities.

Across the country this Easter, men and women of all ages will be received into the Church. In Scotland, a total of 549 adults will enter the Church tonight, marking the largest number of candidates and catechumens in recent years, with a 41% increase over last year’s figure.

The growth continues year by year across the country. In 2023, there were 325 people received into the church, rising to 384 in 2024 and 390 in 2025, with this year’s figures representing a significant increase to 549 individuals. These figures point to a renewed interest in the Catholic faith across Scotland. At a time when many are searching for meaning and direction, increasing numbers are finding a sense of purpose, truth and belonging in the life of the Church.

In the Parish of St James’ in St Andrews, 42 individuals will be received into the Church. Earlier this week, Archbishop Leo Cushley, of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, celebrated Mass in the Parish, during which candidates and catechumens declared their readiness to be received into the Church.

Archbishop Leo Cushley said, “It was such a pleasure to be here, to meet so many of the young people who wish to know and love the Lord better, to be welcomed into the church, to be baptised, and to be part of our great Catholic family.”

This great Catholic family is not confined to Scotland but spans the world. Today, it is home to over 1.4 billion people, with growing numbers continuing to enter Church globally. This growth is not unique to Scotland. Across Europe, some of the largest increases are being seen in major dioceses, such as Paris, Westminster, and Southwark, where hundreds are entering the church each year. The Diocese of Westminster will receive 800 people into the church, and its neighbour, the Diocese of Southwark, is preparing to welcome 590 people. Paris will receive 788 people into the Church this Easter, reflecting a wider increase seen across Europe.

Over the past few months, candidates and catechumens have been meeting regularly in parishes across the country, journeying together in faith, prayer, and formation as they prepare for reception in the church. Through this period of preparation, they are introduced to the teachings of the Catholic faith, the life of prayer, and the wider parish community, supported by clergy and those accompanying them on their journey.

For each person received into the Church this Easter, it marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. As the Church celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord, that message of new life is made visible across Scotland as those entering the Church take their first steps in faith.

Three of our Bishops are in Lourdes this week with HCPT, as pilgrims from across the country gather once again in this place that means so much to so many.

Bishop Frank Dougan shares something of what makes this pilgrimage so special. From the moment groups arrive, there is a real sense of welcome, joy and care for one another. It is often called a happy place and you can see why.

At the heart of it all is something simple but powerful. People looking after one another, giving their time, and quietly showing the face of Christ in the way they serve. The theme this year is Together in Love, and it is already being lived out in every small moment.

Please keep all those on pilgrimage in your prayers this week. They are praying for you too.

Gospel
Matthew 28:8-15
‘Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’

At that time: The women departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples of Jesus. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’
While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Easter Message from the Bishops of Scotland

As we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord today, we rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, of life over death, and of hope over sin and the grave. Christ is risen, and in Him all things are made new.

We offer a special word of welcome and encouragement to those who have been received into the Catholic Church this Easter. Your faith, your courage, and your joy are a gift to us all. You remind the whole Church of the beauty of new life in Christ and the promise of renewal that the Resurrection brings.

May the risen Lord fill out hearts with peace, strengthen us in faith, and guide us always in His love.

Christ is risen. Alleluia!