🇻🇦On the Feast Day of St John Paul II, his teaching from the encyclical Centesimus Annus reminds us that our faith is not a private matter; it must be lived out by concrete action in our communities and throughout the world.

✝️Jesus calls us to this way of living in the Gospels: in the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs us to be peacemakers and to hunger and thirst for what is right. And in the Parable of the Last Judgment, Christ identifies Himself with the most vulnerable, declaring that we are close to Him when we respond to their needs: “whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.”

🙏May St John Paul II inspire us to take up active discipleship by living the Gospel not only in word, but in deeds of compassion, courage, justice and hope. St John Paul II, pray for us!

Justice & Peace Scotland welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza. This development brings much-needed hope and respite to the Palestinian people after unimaginable suffering, grief and loss.

We recognise the anxious longing of Israeli families who have continued to wait for the safe return of loved ones taken hostage and the hope that this announcement brings to them.

When Fr Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, visited Scotland last year he spoke clearly about what all people of the Holy Land need: a sustainable, authentic, and just peace, grounded in equal rights, dignity, and security for all.

This ceasefire must mark not an end point, but the beginning of a genuine peace process rooted in justice, accountability, and respect for human life. Only such a peace can bring lasting security for both peoples and a future where all can live in freedom and safety.

🕊️"Blessed are the peacemakers."
The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have asked that we keep today, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, as a day to pray for peace in the Holy Land and wherever there is violence or conflict in our world.

🕯️Justice & Peace Scotland are also asking you to "Light a Prayer for Peace" at some point today too - light a candle as a symbol of your prayer and as a sign of hope shining in the darkness.

⛪Many churches across Scotland are opening their doors in response to the Bishops' request, if you are able to, please visit and light a candle there. If this is not possible, take a moment in your day to light a candle at home and pray for peace throughout the world. Here is a prayer we invite you to say:

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of the Holy Land:
Israeli and Palestinian; Jew, Christian, and Muslim.
We pray for an end to acts of violence and terror.
We lift to you all who are fearful and hurting.
We ask for wisdom and compassion for those in leadership.
Above all, we ask that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, establish lasting reconciliation and justice for the Holy Land and for all nations.

🙏Our Lady of the Rosary, Queen of Peace, Pray For Us.

📸 - This photograph was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem.

🕯️PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

This weekend, as we mark the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, coinciding with the Jubilee of Migrants in Rome, we are inviting you to pray with us in a spirit of solidarity and hope for all people who are on a journey seeking safety, security and refuge.

Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the occasion, has called us to see migrants as missionaries of hope: as men, women, and children whose presence challenges us to live our faith in a deeper, more authentic and more inclusive way.

The intercessions below from Jesuit Refugee Service UK are offered to help you pray for migrants, refugees, and displaced persons around the world. They are especially suited for use during this special Jubilee weekend but can be prayed at any time, as a reflection of the Gospel call to welcome the stranger and to work for justice and peace.

✝️“I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35)
For all migrants and refugees around the world, that they may find safety, welcome, and dignity in their journey, and that we may open our hearts and communities to receive them with love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

✝️“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Ps 9:9)
For all people forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution, that they may find safety, and find hope through the compassion of others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

✝️“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” (Ga 6:2)
For all people working to give a warm welcome to refugees, in thanksgiving for their effort and generosity. We pray for organisations like the Jesuit Refugee Service, and for all who accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

✝️“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb 13:2)
For our local communities, that we may be moved by the Gospel call to welcome the stranger and act in solidarity with those on the margins.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

✝️“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression” (Is 1:17)
For political leaders and decision-makers: that they may uphold the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees, and work for peace and justice in our world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

✝️“You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Dt 10:19)
We remember the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt, and all the stories of migration in Scripture. We pray for children and families displaced by conflict, that they may be protected, reunited, and given the opportunity to flourish in safety.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

✝️“He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rv 21:4)
For all who have died on their journey seeking refuge, that they may rest in God’s eternal peace, and that we may honour their memory by working for change.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.