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The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Day for Life 2025 - Sunday 15th June

Hope Does Not Disappoint - Finding Meaning in Suffering

For as long as history has been written, the world has never been without struggle and suffering. Through the lens of television and social media, however, the suffering of the whole world appears on our personal devices. Many of us find it hard to make sense of a world in which suffering seems to press down from every direction: pandemic; war; homelessness; violence in our streets, addiction. Then, often without warning, we find ourselves caught up in the struggle when serious illness comes into our own lives.

Suffering touches every person at some point in their lives. It is often associated with illness, grief, and loss. It is not only caused by physical pain but includes emotional suffering as well as ‘soul pain’, such as depression and despair. Christians are not immune to this mystery and we often struggle to know how best to respond to it, and where we can find hope.

“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom 5:5-6). St. Paul invites us to see that Christian hope is not just naïve optimism but, rather, an unshakeable trust in the power and presence of God who is with us always. This hope can endure the darkness of human suffering and even see beyond it. That is because Christian hope is anchored in God who is Love and whose love reaches out to us and lifts us up day after day.

Care for the sick and suffering was central to the ministry of Jesus. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan as a way of explaining what it means to be a “neighbour” to another person. The Good Samaritan is someone who sees and is moved to compassion (while others turn away), who draws close, who “ binds up wounds”, who accompanies the person in need, and who continues to care for as long as it is needed. Often the healing Jesus offered was much more than just a physical cure; it included emotional and spiritual healing as well, because for Jesus, the human person is more than just a body needing to be fixed. Jesus invites us to “ Go and do likewise” (Lk. 10:29-37).

The alleviation of suffering is good and must always be part of our focus. But there remains, for many people, a suffering that cannot be taken away and has to be endured. How do we make sense of that? The claim that it is better to die than to suffer leads some people to suggest that euthanasia or assisted suicide might be more compassionate. As Christians, however, we follow Jesus who lived his entire life, including his suffering, in the confident hope that His Father loved him and would raise him up, and He did! The cross, which Jesus did not ask for and did nothing to deserve, has become a sign of hope for countless millions of people in every generation.

The death and resurrection of Jesus leads us to believe that, far from being futile or absurd, a life marked by suffering, when it is lived with generosity and patience, is full of meaning. People like Simon of Cyrene (who helped carry the cross), or St. Veronica (who wiped the face of Jesus) literally accompanied Jesus on the Way of the Cross. Modern saints like Therese of Lisieux and the young Saint Carlo Acutis understood that when we unite our suffering with the suffering of Christ for the good of the world, it is transformed through his grace. Most of us have known people like them. Far from being the end of hope, their suffering, when accepted and embraced, has shown itself to be a path to growth and ultimately to Resurrection.

This year’s Day for Life is an invitation to pray for those who suffer and to remain with them like the Good Samaritan, bearing witness to their unique and unrepeatable value. We see this closeness in the generous and fruitful service of healthcare professionals, whose mission continues even when there is no longer any prospect of physical healing. We see it in another way in families, carers and chaplains who support their brothers and sisters who are sick or frail or struggling with the many burdens of life. As Christians, we affirm them and hold out to them the hope of Jesus Christ who does not disappoint us.

Most Reverend John Sherrington
Archbishop of Liverpool
England and Wales

Right Reverend Kevin Doran
Bishop of Elphin
Ireland

Right Reverend John Keenan
Bishop of Paisley
Scotland

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

https://www.holyyear2025.org.uk

Click here to visit the Jubilee 2025 website

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. 

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

News from the Commissions and Agencies

May 2024
Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Dunkeld

27th May 2024

At 12 noon today (27th May 2024) in Rome (11am GMT) it was announced, that Pope Francis had nominated Fr. Andrew McKenzie as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. Following the sad passing of Bishop-elect Martin Chambers he will succeed Bishop Stephen Robson who was Bishop of Dunkeld from 2013 to 2022 when he retired on health grounds, since when it has been administered by Canon Kevin Golden.

Reacting to his appointment, Fr. Andrew said:

“I am humbled by the trust that Pope Francis has placed in me by inviting me to be the next Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. With faith in God’s guidance, and with some nervousness, I accepted his invitation.

I look forward to getting to know the priests and people of the diocese and to joining them in the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I take courage in the understanding that I will not be working alone, for each of us has a role to play in the work of evangelisation.

I have good memories of the diocese from a previous role as Director of Priests for Scotland when I was a regular visitor to Dundee at the invitation of Bishop Vincent Logan. I look forward to reconnecting with people and places.

I know that this has been a difficult time for the Diocese of Dunkeld with the unexpected death of Bishop Elect Martin Chambers. We remember him and continue to pray for his eternal rest.”

Responding to the news Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin Golden said:

The Diocese of Dunkeld joyfully receives the news of Fr. Andrew McKenzie being nominated as the Bishop of Dunkeld by our Holy Father Pope Francis. The priests, deacons, religious and lay people of Dunkeld look forward to welcoming him and the leadership he will exercise as our Shepherd. We ask of the Lord many blessings for him, and we shall keep him in our prayers each day.

Welcoming the appointment of Fr. McKenzie, the administrator of his Cathedral, Archbishop Nolan of Glasgow said:

May I congratulate Fr Andrew McKenzie on his appointment as Bishop and may I also congratulate Dunkeld Diocese who now acquires a fine priest as their leader and guide. In his 36 years of priestly service the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the wider Church in Scotland have benefited from his talent, his commitment, his perseverance, and the high standards he has set in a variety of ministries. He has shown care for parishioners and care for his fellow priests, with a devotion also to the worthy celebration of liturgy and the praise and worship of God.

Born 15th October 1964 in Glasgow. Educated at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School (1969 – 1976); Lourdes Secondary (1976–1982); St. Peter’s College Newlands (1982-1985); Chesters College Bearsden (1985-1988).

Ordained Priest Our Lady of Lourdes 31st October 1988

Appointed assistant priest St. Michael’s Dumbarton and school chaplain to Our Lady & St. Patrick’s High School (1988-1994); Appointed assistant priest Holy Cross Croy and school chaplain to St. Ninian’s High School Kirkintilloch and to St Maurice’s High School Cumbernauld. (1994-1998)

Further study, MA Liturgical Studies St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA (1996-1998)

Appointed assistant priest St. Andrew’s Cathedral (1998-1999)

Appointed to the seminary staff of Scotus College (1999-2004); Visiting lecturer (2004 -2009); Director of Priests for Scotland (2004-2012).

Appointed Parish Priest St. Joseph’s Tollcross (2012-2022) and Administrator St. Joachim’s Carmyle (2013-2022); Administrator of St. Andrew’s Cathedral Glasgow (2022 – present day).

Chair of the Council of Priests (2019-2021)

Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies (2012-present day)



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Lord Jesus, we give you thanks, for you showed us how to live

#MissiosMondayPrayer

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On this Feast of Pentecost, the Birthday of the Church, here is the national submission for the next stage of the Synod in October 2024
Towards the Second Session of the Synodal Assembly (October 2024)
Synthesis of the Contributions from the Church in Scotland
To the request of the General Secretariat of the Synod, Towards October 2024, the Catholic Church in Scotland offers the following response. As outlined in the Secretariat’s request, the contributions of the eight dioceses in Scotland are here collected in answer to the guiding question – How can we be a synodal Church in mission? Reflections are organised to correspond with the chapters of the Synthesis Report, A Synodal Church in Mission.
PART 1 - THE FACE OF THE SYNODAL CHURCH
1. Synodality: Experience and Understanding
The overwhelming welcome that many who were able to participate in the Synodal process have given to this vision of a Synodal Church is a sign of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in the process. There is much to build on but already the foundations are being laid. Understanding synodality as a spiritual process, which is rooted in prayer, listening and discernment, and guided by the Holy Spirit, enables us to foster a spirit of co-responsibility in the mission and governance of the Church.
Nonetheless, there is still hesitation on the part of some about this method of communal discernment. It is also acknowledged that participation was not consistent across all the dioceses and all parishes. Nevertheless, it is hoped that a greater appreciation of the equal dignity of all the baptised and the value of all their voices being heard, along with an increased understanding and exercise of the practice of synodality will help to overcome hesitations and will encourage more and more people to engage with the process. Many of those who have taken part in synodal gatherings have found that praying together has brought us closer as an authentically Christian community. Listening, sharing concerns, doubts and joys in a safe, non-judgemental environment has proved rewarding and meaningful.
The Conversation in the Spirit method may be used in any Church, family, or community context where discernment is required, decisions are to be made or grievances resolved. We must call on the Holy Spirit to be present as we listen and accompany each other on our journey of Faith.
4. People in Poverty, Protagonists of the Church’s Journey
The Church must support the poorest and most vulnerable. However, despite her ability to address immediate needs (for example, through soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other forms of outreach), the Church cannot singlehandedly eradicate hunger, homelessness and other forms of poverty from our world. Politicians need to act, and to encourage them to do so, dialogue is necessary. The Church's social doctrine is a valuable resource that has the potential to make a real difference in our world if it were to be consistently put into practice. Every member of the Church should be more aware of the social teachings of the Church so that we are equipped to denounce injustice and speak with elected officials about peoples’ real concerns. There are many occasions when the marginalised seem to remain marginalised by the structures and activities of the church, whereas we should be facilitating their voice to be heard, both in the Church and in society.
5. A Church “out of every tribe, tongue, people and nation”
To achieve this vision, we need to abandon our own reticence and learn to be open with other people about our faith and what it means to us. We must go out to the schools, involve families, engage young people, have social events, deliberately involve people, and learn to appreciate how others perceive things. Prayer is necessary. We recognise that we have already lost generations through our inactivity. We must seek to renew in ourselves and in others a living and active faith.
6. The Eastern Churches and Latin Church Traditions
To be more clearly a Church of Churches in communion, effective in service and dialogue, we should seek to understand the different traditions within the one Catholic Church. Eastern Rite Catholics have come to Scotland from India, Ukraine, and other countries.
There are also a number of adherents to the Tridentine Mass who feel their desire for Mass in the extraordinary form is not being listened to. They have no wish to create another Church.
7. On the Road Towards Christian Unity
Positive relationships exist between the local Catholic Churches and other Christian denominations in Scotland. There are ecumenical services, Christian groups, social activities and, at times, shared use of premises. Sadness has been expressed by people from other Christian denominations who cannot receive the Eucharist when attending Mass. We must continue to build bridges with these brothers and sisters in Christ.
In 2025, the anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea (325) at which the symbol of the faith that unites all Christians was elaborated, we propose a common commemoration of this event which will help us better understand how in the past controversial questions were discussed and resolved together in Council. To this end, we wish to encourage local celebrations.

PART 2- ALL DISCIPLES, ALL MISSIONARIES
8. Church is Mission
As the Synthesis Report notes, “The sacraments of Christian initiation confer on all the disciples of Jesus the responsibility for the mission of the Church… They have received different charisms and vocations and exercise different roles and functions, but all are called and nourished by the Holy Spirit to form one body in Christ…” (Ch 8, Convergences: b). There is little doubt that there are huge resources of people and expertise in our parishes that are not being used. “In their immense variety, the charisms of the laity represent distinct gifts to the Church from the Holy Spirit that must be called forth, recognized, and fully appreciated” (Ch 8, Convergences: f). We must consider: To what extent are we already doing this? How could we do it more effectively at parish, diocesan, and national level?
Significantly, before considering the various members of the Church, the Synthesis points to the crucial role of the family in the Church and in her mission: “The family is the pillar of every Christian community. Parents and grandparents and all those who live and share their faith in the family are the first missionaries. The family, as a community of life and love, is a privileged place of education in faith and Christian practice, one that needs special accompaniment within communities” (Ch 8, Convergences: c). In a world where the family is under attack in many ways, it follows that the Church will struggle in her mission to the world. This convergence concurs with what has been repeated in parishes and dioceses across Scotland: supporting and strengthening families in living their faith must be a priority. Family life brings many joys but also challenges and sadness, for example, when one spouse does not believe in God, children no longer practise the faith, or grandchildren are not baptised. Parents need the support of other adults to understand and fulfil their mission of evangelising their own children. However, many young families in the modern world struggle to achieve this, living as they do far from grandparents and other close relatives. Our parish communities must be ready to provide this support. Our parishes must be welcoming communities where parents benefit from the support, wisdom and encouragement of other members of the community, and children are cherished and nurtured by a community that desires to see them thrive.
At the same time, we must be committed to supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities. All people must be treated with respect and dignity. Parish and Catholic schoo
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