Discipline, Charity, Humility: Archbishop’s Message to MSPs on Ash Wednesday

Archbishop Cushley led the annual Ash Wednesday service at the Scottish Parliament earlier today.

The annual gathering is an opportunity for MSPs and parliament staff to pray together, listen to scripture and receive ashes.

Archbishop Cushley told those gathered: “Lent is a wonderful opportunity to look at ourselves as honestly as we can and to say we’re sorry for our sins.

“We can do it in three simple ways – through discipline towards ourselves, charity towards others and humility before almighty God.

“With those three things you are going to have a good Lent. It’s an opportunity to challenge ourselves to grow, and with God’s grace we will rediscover how good it is to have those three things in place: discipline, charity and humility.”

MSPs attending the service included Marie McNair, Bob Doris, Michael Matheson, Mairi Gougeon, Paul O’Kane, Alex Rowley, Michael Marra, Pauline McNeill and Mark Griffin.

Archbishop Cushley thanked Clare Adamson MSP for sponsoring the event.

Anthony Horan, Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, said: “The distribution of ashes in Holyrood has become a regular feature on the parliamentary calendar and I am delighted that so many MSPs and staff continue to support it. Being an elected representative is a really tough, demanding job and I hope that the Ash Wednesday service, and the annual Mass before summer recess, give MSPs spiritual support and strength.”