2 bits:

On the recruitment of Polish priests to serve the growing Polish population (commented on here before – the Polish population of England is growing as well, presenting a spark and a challenge to the RC Church all over)

Poles, who are almost all Catholic, forged strong links with Scotland during the second world war and the Scottish Catholic church is keen to make them feel at home.

A spokesman for the church said: “St Mary’s church in Edinburgh now holds two masses in Polish, with around 1,000 people attending, and it also has a notice board at the back.

“The number of Polish people in Scotland has boosted our congregations at a time when over the past 10 years we have seen a fall of maybe 18%.”

Cardinal O’Brien backs independence:

THE leader of Scotland’s Roman Catholics last night backed independence from the UK, declaring he would be "happy" if Scots wanted separation.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, in remarks that will cause shockwaves north and south of the Border, said nations such as Ireland and Denmark benefited from the "prosperity which self-determination can bring".

The 68-year-old cleric also voiced his frustration with the Scottish Parliament and predicted independence is coming "before too long".

O’Brien’s comments have caused deep dismay in Labour ranks, with party sources expressing disappointment the Cardinal has chosen to stray on to such controversial political ground months before the Holyrood elections.