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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

National Family Conference 2026

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

June 2026
Pope Leo's prayer intention for July 2026

For respect for human life
Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognising it as a gift from God.

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Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 30 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Gospel
Matthew 8:23-27
‘He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm.’

At that time: When Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’

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Medjugorje Mass | 29 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Holy Mass of Monday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 29 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Gospel
Matthew 8:18-22
‘Follow me.’

At that time: When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, ‘Teacher, 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.’ Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.’

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Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 28 June 2026

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Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 28 June 2026

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𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆

The Bishops of Scotland have appointed Fr Pat Keegans as the new Spiritual Director of the Royal Scots College in Salamanca.

A priest of the Diocese of Galloway, Fr Keegans ministered in numerous parishes over his priestly life. He is also a former student of the Royal Scots College in Valladolid and has maintained close links with the Scottish seminary and with other former students over many years through the Ambrosian Society and his visits to Valladolid and Salamanca.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:
“I warmly welcome Fr Pat’s appointment and thank him for his generous response to this call. His experience, wisdom and priestly witness will be a great gift to our seminarians. I also thank Fr Stuart Chalmers for his devoted service to the college during his tenure as Spiritual Director.”

Fr John Carroll, College Rector, said:
“I am delighted that Fr Pat is joining the College community. I have known him for many years and know he will be an understanding, compassionate and prayerful guide for our seminarians. I look forward to welcoming him to Salamanca.”

Fr Pat, commenting on his appointment, said:
“Being asked to be the Spiritual Director at the Royal Scots College in Salamanca is a privilege and honour. I can hardly believe it. I am thrilled and very happy indeed."

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Saint Peter was originally called Simon, a fisherman from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning “Rock”, and chose him to lead the Apostles. Peter was among Christ’s closest followers, witnessing key moments such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. Though he famously denied Jesus during the Passion, he repented and became a humble and courageous leader of the early Church. After Pentecost, he preached boldly, welcomed the first Gentile converts, and eventually travelled to Rome, where he became its first bishop. He was martyred there around 67 AD and is remembered as the first Pope.

Saint Paul, originally known as Saul, was born in Tarsus and raised as a devout Pharisee. A fierce persecutor of Christians, his life changed dramatically when he encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Following his conversion, Paul dedicated himself completely to spreading the Gospel. Through three major missionary journeys, he founded Christian communities across Asia Minor and Europe, bringing the message of Christ to countless people. He wrote many letters to the early churches, which form a significant part of the New Testament. After years of preaching and missionary work, Paul was imprisoned in Rome and was martyred around 67 AD.

Together, Saints Peter and Paul are honoured as the two great pillars of the Church: Peter, the leader of the Apostles, and Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Their witness, faith, and sacrifice helped establish and spread Christianity throughout the world.

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