The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord and marks the annual Day of Prayer for Justice and Peace.

Each year, this day invites us to reflect on the deep human longing for peace and to recognise that true peace begins not with systems or structures, but with the conversion of the human heart.

At Mass today, parishes across Scotland will hear about the work of Justice & Peace Scotland, a commission of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, which supports prayer, education, and reflection on issues of peace, human dignity, and care for creation, rooted in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.

As we begin a new year, we are invited to pray for peace in our world, in our communities, and within our own hearts.

🙏PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY FOR REFUGEES

On the Feast of the Holy Family we ask Jesus, Mary and Joseph who once had to flee violence and persecution themselves, to accompany all families and people who are seeking sanctuary today:

Lord Jesus, Son of God,
you know what it is to flee your home in fear,
to seek safety in a foreign land.
Be close to all who are forced to leave
their homes, their livelihoods, and all that is familiar.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
you know the anxiety of seeking shelter,
of protecting your child amid danger and threat.
Comfort all mothers and caregivers who are displaced, and surround their children with your gentle love and care.

Saint Joseph, faithful guardian of the Holy Family,
you led Jesus and Mary to safety in Egypt.
Guide and protect all families
and people fleeing war, persecution, poverty, and violence.
Intercede for them that they may know safe passage, sanctuary, and the hope and courage to build new lives.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
help us to recognise you
in every refugee, migrant, and displaced person.
Remove our fear, indifference, and suspicion,
and fill us with the love of Christ,
that we may welcome the stranger
with open hearts and generous hands,
sharing our resources and our solidarity.

Inspire our leaders and nations
to work for justice and peace,
so that every family may live without fear of violence, war, and persecution
and every person may find dignity, safety, and belonging.

Amen

📷 Image - 'Refugees: The Holy Family' by Kelly Latimore

✨Only if people change will the world change and in order to change, people need the light that comes from God; the light which so unexpectedly entered into our night, on the night of Christmas.
- Pope Benedict XVI

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering amendments to the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, which would seek to change the current religious opt-out provisions in Scottish schools.

A spokesperson for Scotland’s Catholic Bishops said the Church is disappointed and confused with the Scottish Parliament Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee's decision to agree an amendment that has the effect of separating Religious Education (RE) and Religious Observance (RO) in schools.

The spokesperson said: “There is an intrinsic link between RE and RO in Catholic schools. Religious Education gives knowledge of faith, while Religious Observance is the living expression. One without the other risks empty ritual or solely ‘head’ knowledge.

“Separating them suggests that the Scottish Government, and those who voted for this amendment, do not value their role in Catholic schools. Furthermore, we are concerned that this amendment has the effect of changing the long-standing conscience clause in section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and removes important rights for parents.

“We continue to be disappointed with the policy of the Scottish Green party, as confirmed by Maggie Chapman during the Committee session on Tuesday, to campaign for the removal of denominational schools from the Scottish Education system. The inclusion of denominational schools in the state system in Scotland continues to be an example of a diverse, pluralistic, democratic education system in action.

“The Catholic Church looks forward to constructive engagement in Stage 3 of the Bill, and to working collaboratively with government, parliament, and other stakeholders to ensure that any final legislation respects both parent and children’s rights and the rich heritage of Catholic education in Scotland.”

🇻🇦POPE LEO'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

This month the Holy Father asks us to turn our hearts in prayer to those Christians living in the midst of war and conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.

He asks us to pray that they may not feel abandoned but rather be strengthened as "seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope." He calls us to stand in spiritual solidarity with those who suffer and to become builders of unity in our own communities.

Let us join him in this prayer.

🎥 Watch his full message here:


By The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.popesprayer.va/ The Pope Video: https://thepopevideo.org/ In collaboration with Vatican Media: http://www...