The Queen will officially mark the 500th anniversary this week of the gift to Scotland of the Sword of State, which forms part of the Honours of Scotland - the Scottish Crown Jewels.
The anniversary will be celebrated at a reception to be held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh where the Queen will be joined by both of Scotland's Catholic Archbishops and other Catholic representatives.
Mgr Charles Burns OBE, a retired Scottish priest who is Ecclesiastical Advisor at the British Embassy to the Holy See and an authority on the Sword, will also travel from Rome to attend the event.
The Sword of State was presented to King James IV by Pope Julius II in 1507.
The reception will be attended by the President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, Cardinal Keith O'Brien and the Vice President of the Conference, Archbishop Mario Conti, who is also President of the Bishops' Conference Heritage Commission.
Cardinal O'Brien said: "I am delighted that the gift of the Sword of State is being marked by the Queen while she is in Scotland. I look forward to attending the reception as well as a further event which will take place in Edinburgh Castle during November to mark the anniversary of the gift."
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.