๐ช๐ฒ๐น๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ: ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
Across Scotland, as in many other parts of the world, large numbers will be received into the Church at tonightโs 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 yearโs 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 yearโs 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 Jamesโ 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, โIt 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.โ
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.
