MSPs Join Scotland’s Catholic Bishops for Annual Mass in Holyrood

Bishops from across Scotland gathered at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday to celebrate Mass with MSPs and parliamentary staff.

The Mass, an annual event at Holyrood, this year marked the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. It was led by Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, and concelebrated by Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and The Isles; Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell; Bishop Frank Dougan, Bishop of Galloway; and Father Bill Russell, Ecumenical Officer for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

Around fifteen MSPs from across several parties attended, including First Minister John Swinney, Minister for Equalities and International Development Simita Kumar, and Mark Griffin MSP, who sponsored the Mass. Representatives of agencies and commissions of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland were also present.

In his homily, Archbishop Nolan recalled the words of Pope Francis, who said politics could be “an outstanding form of charity”. He reminded MSPs that, in their demanding public role, they are first and foremost called to serve. The Church, the Archbishop said, “sets out ideals”, but the responsibility for putting those ideals into practice rests with politicians.

Reflecting on the Gospel account of the birth of John the Baptist, Archbishop Nolan highlighted the words: “For the hand of the Lord was with him.” He told the MSPs gathered that they should “never be in any doubt”, because “the hand of the Lord is always with you, too.”

Following the Mass, Mark Griffin thanked the bishops for leading the celebration in the Parliament. Archbishop Nolan, in turn, thanked Mr Griffin and all the MSPs present, and offered his best wishes for the parliamentary session ahead.