The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 5 July 2026

Holy Mass of the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 05 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Tomorrow, Sunday 5 July, you are invited to gather for the celebration of Holy Mass, for the people of Venezuela, in St Leonard’s Church, East Kilbride, at 12 noon.

Celebrated in Castellano (América Latina), the Mass will be a special opportunity to pray for all those affected by the recent earthquake and to stand in solidarity with those suffering its consequences.

As we come together in faith, let us entrust the people of Venezuela to the Lord’s care and continue to keep them in our prayers.

We offer our congratulations to Fr Matthew McCafferty, who was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh by Archbishop Leo Cushley yesterday, 3 July, at St Mary’s Church, Bathgate.

His ordination is a joyful occasion not only for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, but for the whole Church in Scotland, and a reminder that God continues to call men to dedicate their lives to serving His people.

Please keep Fr Matthew in your prayers as he begins his priestly ministry, and continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood throughout Scotland.

May God bless Fr Matthew abundantly as he begins this new chapter of his vocation. 🙏

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿

The Bishops of Scotland have confirmed the completion of the sale of the former Pontifical Scots College building on the Via Cassia in Rome, marking the end of an important chapter in the history of the college.

Since 1964, the Via Cassia building has been home to generations of Scottish seminarians during their formation for priestly ministry.

Commenting on the building sale, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, said:

“Today we give thanks for the generations of priests who were formed at the College on the Via Cassia and who have faithfully served the people of Scotland. As one chapter closes, another begins. With confidence in the Lord’s providence, we look to the future and to the continuing mission of the College in forming priests who will proclaim the Gospel with faith, generosity and hope.”

The rector of the Pontifical Scots College, Fr Mark Cassidy, said:
“The sale of the Via Cassia building brings to an end a significant chapter in the life of the Church in Scotland. We now look forward to the next chapter in our 425-year history and to finding a new home for the seminary, where we can continue to form men ready for the Church’s mission.”

The bishops wish to record their sincere thanks to the College rector, Fr Mark, and the teams in Rome and Scotland who worked so diligently with him to bring the sale to completion.