The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, began his life with ambitions very different from those for which he is remembered today. As a young man, he dreamed of military glory and success. However, his life changed dramatically when he was seriously wounded by a cannonball during battle. While recovering, he found himself with little to read except a life of Christ and stories of the saints. These books stirred something deep within him and marked the beginning of a profound conversion.

Inspired by a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ignatius made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Montserrat in Spain. He then spent many months in prayer and reflection at nearby Manresa, living simply and dedicating himself to God. During this period he experienced both great spiritual consolations and intense inner struggles. Through prayer, penance, and perseverance, he gradually discovered a deeper peace and a clearer understanding of God’s call.

It was during this time that Ignatius began developing the ideas that would later become the *Spiritual Exercises*, one of the most influential works of Christian spirituality. Designed to help people discern God’s will and grow in their relationship with Christ, the Exercises continue to be used throughout the world today.

Although he longed to remain in the Holy Land, circumstances prevented him from doing so. Instead, Ignatius devoted himself to study, attending several universities across Europe. Despite facing suspicion, hardship, and even brief periods of imprisonment, he remained committed to serving the Church.

In 1534, together with six companions, including Saint Francis Xavier, Ignatius took vows of poverty and chastity and pledged to dedicate his life to the service of Christ. Their small group eventually became the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. Approved by Pope Paul III in 1540, the order quickly grew, and Ignatius was chosen as its first Superior General.

Marking the anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Michael J. Robinson, Executive Director of SPUC, reflects on the enduring relevance of Pope St Paul VI’s landmark encyclical.

In this thought-provoking article, he considers whether the challenges facing society today, from relationships and family life to demographic decline and our understanding of human dignity, echo the concerns raised by Pope Paul VI nearly six decades ago.

Read the full article below and join the conversation.


As the West confronts loneliness, falling birth rates and fractured relationships, ‘Humanae Vitae’ reads less like a relic than a diagnosis

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time | 30 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

🇻🇦 "MAY BELIEVERS AND PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL NEVER STOP WORKING AS BUILDERS OF PEACE." - Pope Leo XIV

Christians from across Scotland will gather at Faslane this coming Saturday for the annual 'No to Nuclear Weapons' Peace Witness Vigil.

Organised by Justice & Peace Scotland and held in collaboration with the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Iona Community, Quakers in Britain, and Pax Christi Scotland the event brings Christians together to pray for nuclear disarmament around the world as an essential step towards world peace, to protect human life, and to safeguard God's creation.

The Vigil is led by Most Rev. William Nolan, president of Justice & Peace Scotland and Archbishop of Glasgow; Right Rev. Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; and Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

In his newly published book, 'Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift', Pope Leo calls Christians and all people of good will to reject the logic of violence and become builders of peace. In the same book he writes:

"It is not atomic weapons that generate peace, but disarmament."

As wars continue and investment in nuclear weapons grows, we'll gather to affirm that true peace and security is built not on nuclear deterrence but on dialogue, diplomacy and the upholding of international law.

If you've been thinking about coming along to one of our vigils, we'd invite you to join us this weekend to answer the Holy Father's call to be builders of peace.

🗓️ Saturday 1st August
🕚 11.00am–12.30pm
📍 North Gate, HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane)

🚌 Free coach travel is available from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

📧 To reserve your seat, email: [email protected]

Please include:
🔹 Your name
🔹 Pick-up point (Edinburgh or Glasgow)
🔹 Number of seats required

🚆If you’re travelling independently, take the train to Helensburgh Central, then the hourly 316 bus to Faslane.

🕊️We look forward to welcoming you to pray and act for peace.

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany occupy a special place in the Gospel as close friends of Jesus. Their home, located just outside Jerusalem, was a place where the Lord was always warmly welcomed. Unlike many of His encounters with others, Jesus visited their household not as a preacher addressing a crowd, but as a trusted friend among those who loved Him.

The Gospels present each sibling with their own unique gifts and character. Martha is remembered for her practical service and hospitality, ensuring that the needs of her guests were met. Mary is known for her contemplative spirit, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening attentively to His teaching. Lazarus, their brother, became a powerful witness to Christ through one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in Scripture.

Martha’s greatest moment in the Gospel comes after the death of Lazarus. As she mourned her brother, Jesus spoke to her the words, *“I am the resurrection and the life.”* In response, Martha made a profound profession of faith, declaring her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Her words remain one of the clearest statements of faith found in the New Testament.

The friendship between Jesus and this family is especially evident in the account of Lazarus’ death. When Jesus arrived at Bethany and saw the grief of those who loved Lazarus, He was deeply moved. The Gospel records the shortest and one of the most powerful verses in Scripture: “Jesus wept.” Soon afterwards, He called Lazarus from the tomb, restoring him to life and revealing His power over death.

Mary also plays an important role in the Gospel story. Shortly before Christ’s Passion, she anointed His feet with costly perfume and wiped them with her hair, an act of love and devotion that Jesus praised. Her actions pointed towards the sacrifice He would soon make for the salvation of the world.

Over the centuries, many traditions and legends developed about the later lives of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. While historical details remain uncertain, their witness has inspired Christian devotion from the earliest centuries of the Church.