Good Friday Retreat 2025
Devotion to the Five Wounds Of Christ
THE devotion to the Five Wounds is a traditional form of prayer that focuses on the physical sufferings of Christ—his pierced hands, feet, and side. It developed in the Middle Ages as a way of meditating on the Passion, attending to the body of Jesus as it was wounded and offered on the Cross.
This form of prayer invites slow, attentive reflection. It does not aim to explain suffering, but to remain with it—to stay close to Christ in his pain, and to hold before God the woundedness of the world, and of ourselves.
Each section of this meditation includes a passage of Scripture, a short reflection, and further verses for prayer.
These readings and meditations were first delivered at St Michael and All Saints, Edinburgh, on Good Friday 2025 by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon and Faith Sutherland.
Image for Reflection
The painting shown below may be used as a focus for prayer and meditation while engaging with these reflections.
Francisco de Zurbarán, The Crucifixion (1627), oil on canvas, 290.3 × 165.5 cm. Robert A. Waller Memorial Fund, 1954.15. The Art Institute of Chicago.
The Left Hand: Inscribed
A personal note to humankind, inscribed on the palms of God’s hands.
Isaiah 49:16, Luke 23:33
The Right Hand: Exposed
Hands fixed in perpetual surrender
Psalm 22:16, John 20:25
The Left Foot: Counted
What is usually unnoticed becomes unignorable
Psalm 22:17, Isaiah 52:7
The Right Foot: Struck
A wound at the body’s lowest point
Genesis 3:15, Luke 24:40
The Side: Pierced
Unrecoverable harm
John 19:34–37, Zechariah 12:10
Mass Times
Sunday • 10:30 High Mass
A service with choral music, organ, incense, bells, and elaborate ritual Read more →
Wednesday • 11:00 Low Mass (Lady Chapel)
First Saturday of each month • 12:30 Rosary Mass
Celebrate the Sacred Seasons
ST Michael and All Saints invites you to mark some of the most significant moments of the liturgical year with special services featuring glorious music from one of the finest choirs in the city, vibrant Anglo-Catholic liturgy, and preaching that speaks to the heart. These services are true highlights of the calendar, offering excellent opportunities for reflection and celebration. Whether you’re a frequent attendee or joining for a special occasion, these events are sure to inspire.
Come-and-Sing Evensong and Benediction
Sat 27 Sep • 17:00
Embrace the beauty of Catholic ritual, no matter your tradition. Slip on some proverbial lace for the occasion and join a fabulous Come-and-Sing event. A full choir rehearsal precedes the service. Sign up online to participate.
Advent Carol Service
Sun 30 Nov • 18:00
Enter the season of Advent through a dramatic and awe-inspiring service, filled with candlelight, stirring choral music, and readings, drawing all who attend into a profound sense of waiting and wonder.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Sun 21 Dec • 18:00
Celebrate the Christmas story through the beloved Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Scripture readings and carols recount the journey from creation to the birth of Christ. The service, accompanied by exceptional choral music, offers a moment of reflection, joy, and a deep connection to the true meaning of Christmas.
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Latest Sermons
Listen to recent sermons and reflections.
17 August 2025
‘My Fringe show blacklist’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 12:49-53)
10 August 2025
‘Down the dark corridor’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 12:32-40)
3 August 2025
‘Out loud’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 12:13-21)
6 July 2025
‘The Glasgow Effect’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)
29 June 2025
‘An invitation to come back’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Dedication Festival (John 2.13-22)
22 June 2025
‘Let’s not be surprised when it works’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 8:26-39)
19 June 2025
‘Jammie Dodgers’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Feast of Corpus Christi (John 6.53-58)
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