The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗙𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮

The Bishops of Scotland are delighted to announce that Fr Stuart Chalmers, the Spiritual Director of the Royal Scots College Salamanca, will soon take up a new position as Lecturer in Theology at the Fremantle Campus of the University of Notre Dame Australia. This is a prestigious appointment and reflects Fr Stuart’s expertise in the area of Moral Theology for which he holds a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St Patrick’s, Maynooth. With his usual humility, Fr Stuart would suggest that he deserves no great praise for this, and so the Bishops and staff of the College want to put on record their deep thanks for the years he has given to the seminary in Spain and offer him our deepest congratulations, best wishes and prayers.

Fr Stuart has been Spiritual Director and a teacher at the propaedeutic seminary for the past eight and a half years, working with two rectors, Fr Tom Kilbride and Fr John Carroll. During that time, he has also been an Associate Professor at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, teaching courses in Moral Theology, Professional Ethics, Christian Anthropology and Catholic Social Teaching.

A priest of the Diocese of Aberdeen, Fr Stuart has previously served in parishes in the City of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and in the Highlands, as well as Vicar General of the Diocese. Fr Stuart says that he is “delighted to have been offered the post” and is “most grateful for the support of Bishop Hugh and of the Bishops’ Conference in encouraging him to undertake this exciting, new role.” He is also grateful for his time in Spain as Spiritual Director at the Scots College. He said, “It has been a joy and privilege to have been involved in the formation of seminarians for Scotland and Ireland in the beautiful surroundings of Salamanca.”

Upon completion of the term in Spain, Fr Stuart will travel to Fremantle, Perth, at the beginning of July to commence teaching later that month.

Please keep him in your prayers.

✝️ “I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36)

SSVP Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Prison Service and Prison Fellowship Scotland, are hosting “Where Is The Hope?” — an information and discussion day exploring how we can better support people affected by imprisonment.

Imprisonment impacts not only those in custody, but also families, children, and communities. This event offers an opportunity to understand these realities more deeply and to reflect on how individuals, parishes, and organisations can respond with compassion, accompaniment, and hope.

Key details:
🗓 Saturday 25 April 2026
🕥 10:30am – 3:30pm
📍 Stirling Court Hotel
📝 Free to attend (booking required)

📧 To register: [email protected]

First anniversary of Pope Francis.

Let us remember Pope Francis, who returned to the Father’s house one year ago today.

He served the Church with humility, tenderness, and a deep concern for those on the margins. Throughout his pontificate, he called us to encounter Christ, to live the joy of the Gospel, and to be a Church close to all.

He will be remembered as a shepherd who walked with his people, guiding the Church with compassion and faith.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Pope Leo departing Luanda this morning, flying to Saurimo.

There, he will visit a care home for the elderly and celebrate Mass with the local community.

Sisters Nan Mackinnon (99) and Margaret Pope (96), of the Society of the Sacred Heart, have marked an extraordinary 75 years of profession to the Religious Life. 🙏🎉

A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Fr Michael Downie of Nunraw Abbey, and Archbishop Leo Cushley visited them at Lauder Lodge earlier this week to present a Papal Blessing.

A beautiful witness of lifelong faith and service.