SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: “He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49).

 

 

SAINT OF THE WEEK: ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX (1090-1153), 20th AUGUST.

 

He was born near Dijon, in France, in 1090, of a noble family. In 1112 he joined the new monastery at Cîteaux. This had been founded fourteen years before, in a bid to reject the laxity and riches of the Benedictine Order (as exemplified by great monasteries such as Cluny) and to return to a primitive poverty and austerity of life.
  Bernard arrived at Cîteaux with four of his five brothers and two dozen friends. Within three years he had been sent out to found a new monastery at Clairvaux, in Champagne, where he remained abbot for the rest of his life. By the time of his death, the Cistercian Order had grown from one house to 343, of which 68 were daughter houses of Clairvaux itself.
  Bernard was a man of great holiness and wisdom, and although he was often in very poor health, he was active in many of the great public debates of the time. He strongly opposed the luxurious lives of some of the clergy, and fought against the persecution of the Jews. He was also a prolific writer, of an inspiring rather than a technical kind.
  The Church is always suffering from corruption and always being renewed. If St Bernard, so often ill, could take a leading part in this renewal, what excuse do we have?

from Universalis

 

 

 

UPDATE ON PARISH SHRINE TO SS. CARLO, FRANCIS & CLARE: With the help of an architect in the parish, we have now settled on the exact size of the three icons for the triptych which will form the central feature of the shrine. This will enable the iconographer to begin work once the wood required has been supplied from the source he uses in Serbia. We are now working on determining the accessories that will be needed for the shrine, e.g. specialised glass coverings for the icons (non-reflective, UV-proof, etc.), lighting, the display for the first class relic of St. Carlo, kneelers, etc..). A list of these, together with an overall description of the project as well as some initial attempt at costing, has been submitted to the Diocese for approval. This is required for two reasons: first, any expenditure over £10k must receive diocesan approval; second, Bishop Frank has taken a personal interest in this project and so is pleased to be updated on its progress. With St. Carlo’s help, then, things are now beginning to take shape, but again it will be next Spring before we see the work completed and the shrine dedicated and blessed by the Bishop.

Mgr. Peter Magee, PP, 21st March 2026.

Most Recent News: The wood on which the icons will be painted (originating from Serbia) has now been cut and the carver has carved out the size and shape agreed between myself and the iconographer for the three icons. The items are currently in transit to the UK. – Fr. Peter, 20.06.26

 

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. 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.

 

PASTORAL LETTER OF BISHOP FRANK DOUGAN ON THE UNSUSTAINABILITY OF PARISH STRUCTURES IN THE DIOCESE OF GALLOWAY: PASTORAL LETTER FEBRUARY 2026

 

Notices

 

 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) FOR ST. MARY’S, LARGS, AND OUR LADY’S, MILLPORT:

Seeking Christ in faith and witnessing to Him, as and when we find Him, lies at the heart of a truly fulfilled human existence. The RCIA is intended to assist those who believe Jesus is calling them to enter the Catholic Church by taking them through the content of the Catholic Faith in a systematic and straightforward manner.

The aim is not to fill the head with concepts, but to stir a love for Christ and His Church born from a deeper and truer knowledge of them. So, if you feel a pull to Catholicism, or if you are just curious to see what it’s about, come and see! Any adult in the Largs area with a sincere desire to seek and find is most welcome!

Information page for the 2026-2027 programme, including the full schedule of meetings and subject matters can be found by clicking this link:

https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults

 

If you already know you want to apply, here is the form to fill out and return to St. Mary’s parish in Largs:

SIGN UP FORM

Or if you are already a Catholic and want to volunteer to assist in the RCIA programme for 2026-2027, here is your form:

VOLUNTEERS FORM

 

RELIC OF SAINT CARLO ACUTIS: For information and photos, please click on this link: https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/2024/08/21/relic-of-blessed-carlo-acutis/

 

OUR LADY’S PARISH CENSUS: If you are a Catholic who lives within the boundaries of Our Lady’s Parish (Millport), please consider filling out a Census form. Hard copies of the form are available in Our Lady’s church porch. Alternatively, you can fill in one on line by using the following link: https://forms.gle

 

ST. MARY’S PARISH CENSUS: If you are a Catholic who lives within the boundaries of St. Mary’s Parish (Largs, Fairlie and Skelmorlie), please consider filling out a Census form. Hard copies of the form are available in St. Mary’s church porch. Alternatively, you can fill in one on line by using the following link:  https://forms.gle/bViFEJBgCRVjuYnE8

 

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS AGENCY (SCSSA): The official website of the new Agency can be found at: https://www.scsafeguarding.org.uk/SCSSA

 

“IN GOD’S IMAGE”, version 2: The Safeguarding Instruction of the Bishops of Scotland. https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/2021/08/28/in-gods-image-version-2-safeguarding-instruction-of-the-bishops-of-scotland/

 

DIOCESAN WEB-PAGE & FACEBOOK PAGE ON THE SYNODhttps://gallowaydiocese.org.uk/synod https://fb.me/gallowaysynod

 

 

VATICAN NEWS: Keep up to date with all news from the Vatican in English at: https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html

 

LITURGY

– SUNDAYS:

LARGS (live-streamed): Saturday Vigil, 6pm & Sunday 10am; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (with exception of 2nd Thursdays) and Friday: Mass at 10am. Wednesday: Mass at 8am.

MILLPORT (live-streamed): 12.15pm, Sunday; 10am on 2nd Thursdays.

 

LIVESTREAM LINKS:

 

– HOLIDAYS OF OBLIGATION:

LARGS: Vigil Mass at 7pm; 10am Mass on the Day

MILLPORT: 12.15pm Mass on the Day

RC Largs and Millport Twitter

Divorce can be a necessary evil when evil has led to the collapse of a marriage. But the God who is One and Three created us male and female in the bond of marriage to be the image and likeness of the Trinity. May His tears heal those broken by all that has led to divorce.

Lord, we remember with our inmost heart the night before you were betrayed and with what eternal love You gave us the Eucharist. Move us to love likewise and become eucharist for one another and for You.

Forgive and you will be forgiven. Refuse to forgive and you will be condemned. Forgive and release hope. Refuse to forgive and be imprisoned in despair.

I know I’ve been posting a lot recently, but as Fr. Richard John Neuhaus used to say, “it’s a target-rich environment” right now.

The governor of Massachusetts just signed into law a statute that permits abortion up until the moment of birth, as long as mother and doctor give

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Our Location

St Marys Star of the Sea
28 Greenock Road
Largs, KA30 8NE

Tel: 01475 740 019
largs@gallowaydiocese.org.uk

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

College Street, Millport,
Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0BG
Tel: 01475 740 019
millport@gallowaydiocese.org.uk