The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲? 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗙’𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲

It's fair to say we live in turbulent times. With wars and conflicts all around us, it’s easy to lose hope.

But SCIAF – the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund – believes that a better world is possible and is urging others to join them on a pilgrimage of peace.

Michael Hamilton from SCIAF’s community engagement team said: “We are urging people to join in solidarity with us and the many innocent victims of war around the world and walk and pray for a peaceful future.”

The walk for peace will take place from 9.15am on Saturday, 13 June and will follow a 5.6-mile route from St Joseph’s Church in Blantyre to Motherwell Cathedral.

Michael said: “Many people feel hopeless right now. Every time we turn on the television, there is news of yet more bombing, yet more death. Wars are decided by politicians, but in the end it’s innocent people who suffer. We do, however, believe in the power of prayer, and it is right that we lift those who suffer injustice to God with the hope of a better world.

“We hope as many people as possible will be able to join us. Although it’s over five miles, we will be going at a gentle pace and hoping to reach the Cathedral in about two and a half hours. We will be warmly welcomed at the Cathedral with drinks and food to look forward to.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7


Join us on a short pilgrimage walk from St Joseph’s Blantyre to Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell.

This Sunday, 17th May, the Church marks Communications Sunday.

In a world where so many people first encounter faith online, digital communication has become an important part of evangelisation and outreach. A video, livestream, social media post, or message of hope can often become the first step in someone’s journey towards Christ.

The second collection this weekend will support the work of the Office of Communications & Evangelisation of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland as we continue to share the Gospel through digital media, social platforms, video, news, and resources reaching people across Scotland and beyond.

Please keep this work in your prayers and, if you are able, support the second collection next weekend.

Gospel
John 16:5-11
‘If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged.’

One Week. One Action. A Global Catholic Response. Save the Date!

Each year, the global Church unites to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week — an annual moment of prayer, reflection, and concrete action inspired by Laudato Si', by Pope Francis.

In 2026, from May 17 to 24, Catholics across continents will once again respond together, not just with words, but with action.

Next weekend, the Church marks Communications Sunday, a day to reflect on how the Gospel is shared through media, digital platforms, broadcasting and communications.

From parish social media pages and livestreamed Masses to Catholic television, videos and news coverage, communications plays an important role in helping people stay connected to the life of the Church.

The second collection next weekend will support the work of the Office of Communications and Evangelisation of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland as it continues to share the Gospel through digital media, press, social media, broadcasting and evangelisation initiatives across the country.

Please pray for all those working in Catholic communications and for all who encounter Christ through digital media.