The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
Luke 24:13-35
‘He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.’

On the first day of the week, two of the disciples of Jesus were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognising him. And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ And he said to them, ‘What things?’ And they said to him, ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.’ And he said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognised him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’ And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the Eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲: 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

Across Scotland, as in many other parts of the world, large numbers will be received into the Church at tonight’s Easter Vigil, a clear and encouraging sign of growth and renewal in our Catholic faith.

This evening, churches throughout the world will gather for the Easter Vigil, a celebration centred on new life. Here in Scotland, that message is being lived out in a very real way, as men and women take this next step and begin a new chapter in their journey of faith.

It is a moment of quiet hope and great joy for the Church and a reminder that faith continues to root and grow in our communities.

Across the country this Easter, men and women of all ages will be received into the Church. In Scotland, a total of 549 adults will enter the Church tonight, marking the largest number of candidates and catechumens in recent years, with a 41% increase over last year’s figure.

The growth continues year by year across the country. In 2023, there were 325 people received into the church, rising to 384 in 2024 and 390 in 2025, with this year’s figures representing a significant increase to 549 individuals. These figures point to a renewed interest in the Catholic faith across Scotland. At a time when many are searching for meaning and direction, increasing numbers are finding a sense of purpose, truth and belonging in the life of the Church.

In the Parish of St James’ in St Andrews, 42 individuals will be received into the Church. Earlier this week, Archbishop Leo Cushley, of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, celebrated Mass in the Parish, during which candidates and catechumens declared their readiness to be received into the Church.

Archbishop Leo Cushley said, “It was such a pleasure to be here, to meet so many of the young people who wish to know and love the Lord better, to be welcomed into the church, to be baptised, and to be part of our great Catholic family.”

This great Catholic family is not confined to Scotland but spans the world. Today, it is home to over 1.4 billion people, with growing numbers continuing to enter Church globally. This growth is not unique to Scotland. Across Europe, some of the largest increases are being seen in major dioceses, such as Paris, Westminster, and Southwark, where hundreds are entering the church each year. The Diocese of Westminster will receive 800 people into the church, and its neighbour, the Diocese of Southwark, is preparing to welcome 590 people. Paris will receive 788 people into the Church this Easter, reflecting a wider increase seen across Europe.

Over the past few months, candidates and catechumens have been meeting regularly in parishes across the country, journeying together in faith, prayer, and formation as they prepare for reception in the church. Through this period of preparation, they are introduced to the teachings of the Catholic faith, the life of prayer, and the wider parish community, supported by clergy and those accompanying them on their journey.

For each person received into the Church this Easter, it marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. As the Church celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord, that message of new life is made visible across Scotland as those entering the Church take their first steps in faith.

Three of our Bishops are in Lourdes this week with HCPT, as pilgrims from across the country gather once again in this place that means so much to so many.

Bishop Frank Dougan shares something of what makes this pilgrimage so special. From the moment groups arrive, there is a real sense of welcome, joy and care for one another. It is often called a happy place and you can see why.

At the heart of it all is something simple but powerful. People looking after one another, giving their time, and quietly showing the face of Christ in the way they serve. The theme this year is Together in Love, and it is already being lived out in every small moment.

Please keep all those on pilgrimage in your prayers this week. They are praying for you too.

Easter Message from the Bishops of Scotland

As we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord today, we rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, of life over death, and of hope over sin and the grave. Christ is risen, and in Him all things are made new.

We offer a special word of welcome and encouragement to those who have been received into the Catholic Church this Easter. Your faith, your courage, and your joy are a gift to us all. You remind the whole Church of the beauty of new life in Christ and the promise of renewal that the Resurrection brings.

May the risen Lord fill out hearts with peace, strengthen us in faith, and guide us always in His love.

Christ is risen. Alleluia!

Gospel
John 12:1-11
‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.’

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the money bag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.’
When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.