UPDATE ON PARISH SHRINE TO SS. CARLO, FRANCIS & CLARE: With the help of Eucharistic Cenacle members and a few others in St. Mary’s Parish, we have managed to make good progress on the first steps towards the realization of the Shrine project. 1) After considerable investigation, we identified the iconographer to create the artwork. 2) We submitted to him the general concept of the Shrine (the central Eucharistic message it will convey), some proposals as to the shape of the icons, some photographs and architect’s sketches of the space it will occupy and of the inside of St. Mary’s church. 3) He has accepted to create the artwork and, as is to be expected, will be bringing his expertise and experience to bear on all aspects of it. 4) He has responded with some good suggestions to improve on the proposal submitted. 5) We will shortly discuss the practical aspects, such as the timescale, the cost and what’s necessary for the installation of the finished work on the back wall of the side aisle.

     As to the timescale, I said that I would prefer it to take longer if that meant that the quality of the outcome would be better. He has advised me that, since the concept is quite complex, it will probably take at least a year to complete it. While it would be nice to have it in place for the Parish Festival in September, I think all would agree that it’s better to take the time a beautiful piece of sacred art requires rather than be tied to a timeline.

Mgr. Peter Magee, PP, 23rd February 2026.

BISHOPS OF SCOTLAND OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EVANGELISATION: Our Bishops have recently launched this new office to support our common efforts in proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing to the life of the Church in our nation. It is one of the most encouraging initiatives to date coming from the Bishops’ Conference. The Office will:

• Manage and distribute statements for the Bishops’ Conference
• Share the Good News of the Gospel confidently and clearly
• Highlight the positive impact of Catholic life across Scotland
• Strengthen communication and collaboration across dioceses, parishes, schools, religious communities and lay apostolates

• Engage constructively with secular media and public discourse
• Support and develop digital evangelisation initiatives at a national level

     As part of this mission, Being Catholic TV will now serve as the official digital platform of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. It will provide video content, livestreamed events, features from around the country, and faith formation resources to assist our parish communities in their work of evangelisation and outreach. To access these resources, visit beingcatholic.org or sign-up to the BCTV social channels.

     We are invited to share our parish good news stories by sending them to media@bcos.org.uk We are also invited to consider how digital media can further our own local evangelisation efforts. Parishioners are encouraged to engage with Being Catholic TV and the resources it provides.