Bishops of Scotland Congratulate Lady Rita Rae CBE on receiving Honour from The King

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland warmly congratulates Lady Rita Rae on her appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in The King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Lady Rae has given outstanding service to the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Scotland. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) and as Vice Chair of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society, bringing wisdom, integrity, and a profound commitment to the protection and dignity of children and vulnerable people. She has also served the Church as a member of the national tribunal, as a board member of the Glasgow Archdiocesan newspaper Flourish and has given longstanding support for adoption and family services.

Alongside her service to the Catholic Church, Lady Rae has had a distinguished career in public life. She served as a Senator of the College of Justice and High Court judge, was the first working female Rector of the University of Glasgow, and she continues to support young people and students through education, mentoring, and scholarships.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:
“This honour recognises Lady Rae’s faithful service to the Church and her tireless commitment to justice, safeguarding, and the dignity of the human person. She is a most deserving recipient of this high honour.”

Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop with Episcopal responsibility for safeguarding, said:
“Lady Rae’s leadership and independent scrutiny have driven the Church’s safeguarding practices to the highest standards. Her clarity, compassion, and determination have deepened the Church’s commitment to care and protection for all, reminding us of our constant need to accompany survivors and maintain robust policies and procedures.”

Archbishop William Nolan, the Archbishop of Glasgow, said:
“The honour bestowed on Lady Rae is richly deserved. She has worked tirelessly for charities over the years including St Margaret’s Adoption Society and has greatly assisted the Scottish Bishops in their ongoing commitment to safeguarding. Her honour will be widely welcomed.”

The Bishops of Scotland assure Lady Rae of their prayers and congratulations.

Holy Mass of the Sixth Day of the Christmas Octave | 30 December 2025
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Medjugorje Mass | 29 December 2025
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Gospel of the day (Luke 2:22-35)

When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons’.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed — and a sword will pierce through your own soul also — so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection on Sunday, 28 December 2025