The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Athanasius | 02 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Gospel
John 14:7-14
‘Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.’

Gospel John 14:1-6
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God still, and trust in me.
There are many rooms in my Father’s house;
if there were not, I should have told you.
I am going now to prepare a place for you,
and after I have gone and prepared you a place,
I shall return to take you with me;
so that where I am
you may be too.
You know the way to the place where I am going.’
Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said:
‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.’

Pope Leo's prayer intention for May 2026

That everyone might have food
Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

A children’s book written by SCIAF’s Development Education Officer Elaine McGinlay has received international recognition after being named a winner of the Christlit Book Award.

The illustrated children’s book, The Wisdom of the River, is rooted in the Catholic vision of human flourishing and invites young readers to journey through the story making choices, in a ‘choose your own adventure’ format.

The Christlit Book Award is an internationally accredited and highly renowned program dedicated exclusively to Christian literature. The awards recognise excellence in Christian literature worldwide, celebrating publications that embody the spirit of the Gospel with creativity, integrity and depth. Judged by a panel of Christian educators, writers, publishers, and faith leaders, the awards highlight works inspire readers to live out their faith with conviction.

Elaine’s writing was recognised for exceptional skill in weaving faith and storytelling into this vibrant children’s book.

Drawing on over a decade of experience with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Elaine developed the book through her work with schools and parishes, alongside her academic research in global learning. The book theme was also shaped by time spent with SCIAF partners in Ethiopia, witnessing how communities supported one another to flourish in the face of challenges such as severe droughts.

As part of SCIAF’s commitment to Development Education, every Catholic primary school in Scotland has received a free copy of the book.
Elaine said: “I am deeply grateful to receive this award from The Christlit Book Award judges. The Wisdom of the River was created to help young people understand SCIAF’s work in light of our faith, and I’m proud to have brought this vision to life through my writing. It has been a privilege to work with the team at SCIAF and alongside illustrator Anh Cao to share this story.”

SCIAF’s chief executive Lorraine Currie added: “SCIAF is incredibly honoured to see this book recognised. Helping children understand climate change through hope, curiosity and storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to inspire the next generation. This award affirms our belief that meaningful change begins with education.”

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena | 29 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356