At the beginning of Advent the Bishops of Scotland had looked forward to welcoming the faithful back to Holy Mass and anticipated that the restoration of the Sunday Obligation might be possible at the start of the New Year. Announcing its postponement, a spokesperson for the Bishops said:
“Sadly, there has been a serious worsening of the situation and the restoration of the obligation will be postponed until a more favourable time. For us Sunday is always a Holy Day and we invite those who are unable to be with us in person to continue to join with us in prayer and spiritual communion either by personal or family prayers or by online celebrations of Mass.”
“We ask everyone to continue to pray for a speedy end to the Pandemic and for the good health of you and your loved ones in 2022. We also pray for all those who passed during 2021 and those who grieve. May Our Lady Health of the Sick pray for us and may Saints Andrew and Margaret protect us.”