English Traditionalist Religious Community to leave Scotland

A Scottish bishop announced that traditionalist religious communities, residing in his diocese since 2022, will return to their original English diocese. However, one of these communities claims they are being forced out, leaving members ‘homeless.’ This situation reflects ongoing global tensions between dioceses and religious groups practicing older liturgical traditions. On 23 February, Bishop Andrew McKenzie of Dunkeld stated that after careful consideration and consultations, it was decided that the Marian Franciscan Sisters and Friars would return to the Diocese of Portsmouth, where they were originally established. The Diocese of Dunkeld will continue to offer Mass in the Extraordinary Form for those interested.
The Marian Franciscans follow the teachings of St Maximilian Mary Kolbe and commit to vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Their strict prayer schedule runs from 1:30 am to 9:30 pm. The men’s community was founded in 2015 in the Diocese of Portsmouth before expanding to Dunkeld in 2022 at the invitation of then-Bishop Stephen Robson, who supported traditionalist practices. Upon their arrival, the friars established Lawside Friary, while the sisters occupied St Joseph’s Convent. The communities expanded significantly, growing from an initial seven friars and 20 sisters to 20 friars and 30 sisters. Bishop Robson resigned in December 2022 due to health reasons, and his successor, Fr Martin Chambers, passed away unexpectedly before his installation in April 2024. Bishop McKenzie took over in May 2024. Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth confirmed that while the Marian Franciscans previously had extensive facilities in his diocese, they were relocated to Dunkeld in 2022. Now, following their dismissal from Dunkeld, Egan pledged to support them as they seek new accommodations. The Marian Franciscans have a significant media presence through Radio Immaculata, Co-Redemptrix magazine, and the Mary House Press, and they organise a Mariological symposium annually.
This situation has drawn comparisons to the Transalpine Redemptorists, a traditionalist group expelled from New Zealand’s Christchurch diocese in 2024 after a Vatican investigation. The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) also announced in September 2024 that it would undergo an apostolic visitation, which has already started in the United States. This traditionalist priestly community comprises nearly 600 members with an average age of 39. Since its establishment in 1988, its membership has grown consistently. However, there are no signs that the Marian Franciscans’ dismissal followed any Vatican probe. Despite the uncertainty, Marian Franciscan priest Fr Philomeno James Mary expressed sadness but emphasised faith in divine providence, encouraging the faithful to trust in God’s plan.