The newly appointed president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan, is taking the Church’s message to the streets, engaging directly with people through a Scottish railway mission. The bishop, who was named the new leader of the Church in Scotland on November 4, recently participated in the Rail Pastors mission in Inverclyde, bringing the Church’s presence to train stations across Scotland.
Bishop Keenan’s Call to the Streets
Bishop Keenan’s involvement in the mission underscores his commitment to the spirit of the Church on the streets, where he believes the Spirit is most present. Reflecting on his time with the Rail Pastors, Keenan said, “It is the Church on the streets where the Spirit wants us to be and where we feel his unique presence in almost every encounter.”
The Rail Pastors, a group of volunteers recognized by their bright sky-blue uniforms, have been active in Scotland for several years. They work in train stations across Fife, Inverclyde, and Paisley, offering a friendly, reassuring presence to travelers. Their mission is to listen, offer care, and support passengers who may feel unsafe or need someone to talk to. They are also trained to assist individuals who may be at risk of self-harm or contemplating suicide.
An Evening on the Rails
On a recent Friday evening, Bishop Keenan, who also serves as the bishop of Paisley, joined an ecumenical team of Rail Pastors as they made their rounds from Port Glasgow to Wemyss Bay and then from Paisley to Greenock. Keenan, who was observing the mission, witnessed firsthand the positive impact the Rail Pastors had on passengers. He described how the team created “a little bit of community and warmth” during a cold, wet Scottish autumn night.
The bishop also interacted with young people on the trains, some of whom were touched by the pastoral care. He recalled meeting teenage girls who recognized him from their school days preparing for confirmation. One young woman asked him to pray for her mother. Another encounter involved a young man who, after recognizing Keenan in a station bar, opened up about his faith and family, leaving the train feeling spiritually renewed.
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Bishop Keenan’s participation in the Rail Pastors mission comes amid concerning mental health statistics in Scotland, particularly among young people. Studies show that one in six young adults aged 18-34 have self-harmed, and many parents report that their children’s mental health deteriorated while waiting for professional support. Keenan views the Rail Pastors as a vital resource in providing immediate, non-judgmental support to young people who may be struggling emotionally.
He emphasized how the initiative offers “a safe and reassuring presence” to individuals, especially young people, in need of pastoral care. The mission’s efforts are particularly important in a society where mental health challenges are becoming more pronounced.
Building Relationships Across Communities
Beyond his interactions with passengers, Keenan also engaged with retired police officers, transport police officers, and rail safety officers during the evening mission. Reflecting on his experience, he described his work with the Rail Pastors as being “salt, leaven, and light” in the community—offering hope and spreading the joy of the Gospel wherever possible.
Chris Jewell, the team leader of Rail Pastors, expressed his delight at having Bishop Keenan join their ranks. He noted that the bishop’s participation reinforced the importance of their mission in the community.
Evangelizing in a Modern Context
In Scotland, Bishop Keenan is recognized for his advocacy of the new evangelization, a movement championed by St. John Paul II and continued by subsequent popes. Keenan is also a vocal supporter of the rosary, having encouraged participation in Pope Francis’ 2021 rosary “marathon” for an end to the pandemic. His active involvement in the Rail Pastors mission demonstrates his dedication to modernizing the Church’s approach to evangelization, bringing the faith directly to the people in everyday settings.
