A leading bishop has described a motion before the Scottish Parliament celebrating the Consecration of Scotland to Our Lady as “exceptionally significant”. The motion, lodged on 31 August, calls on the Scottish Parliament to recognise the Consecration and the fact the bishops “will play their part in building a true civilization of love, and strive to create a place where all people are valued”. Bishop John Keenan of the Diocese of Paisley said “I think this is exceptionally significant… I feel this is enormously significant and providential.” In full, the Scottish Parliament’s motion read: “That the Parliament recognises that Scotland’s Catholic bishops will consecrate the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on 3 September 2017; understands that the bishops will pray for Scotland at the Marian Shrine at the Carfin Grotto, near Motherwell, asking that Scotland be energised with a renewed desire to seek the truth, and understands that at the same time they will pray for all parliamentarians and government, so that they will play their part in building a true civilisation of love and strive to create a place where all people are valued, a place where poor, lonely and marginalised people are not forgotten, and a place where people are free to practise their faith.” It is supported by Stewart Stevenson (SNP), Richard Lyle (SNP), Alex Rowley (Lab), Clare Adamson (SNP).