The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Young people from several parishes, including St Vincent’s in Thornliebank, St John’s in Barrhead, and Corpus Christi in Glasgow, recently came together for a day of faith and friendship.

The programme included catechesis, sport, games, and prayer, offering a chance to grow in faith while building connections with other young Catholics. In this month of May, there was a particular focus on Our Lady and her importance in the life of the Church.

Gospel
John 14:27-31a
‘My peace I give to you.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I will come to you.” If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.’

Holy Mass of Monday of the Fifth Sunday of Easter | 04 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Holy Mass of the Fifth Sunday of Easter | 03 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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.