POPE FRANCIS (1936-2025) DIED THIS MORNING, EASTER MONDAY, 21ST APRIL, AT THE AGE OF 88. THE LORD GAVE HIM TO US AND THE LORD HAS TAKEN HIM BACK TO HIMSELF. MAY HE REST IN PEACE AFTER HIS LONG LIFE OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO GOD, THE CHURCH AND HUMANITY AS A WHOLE. PLEASE GOD, WE NOW HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND IN HEAVEN TO PRAY FOR US. THANK YOU, POPE FRANCIS, FOR ALL YOU WERE AND DID FOR US. “DIOS SE LO PAGUE.”

THERE WILL BE A MASS OF COMMEMORATION FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AT 10AM ON WEDNESDAY 30TH APRIL IN SAINT MARY’S CHURCH IN LARGS. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

The canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed due to the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. It will be the decision of the successor of Pope Francis which will determine the new date for the canonization to go ahead. Pope Francis had wanted to celebrate Blessed Carlo in the Church on earth. Now, please God, it will be Blessed Carlo who celebrates Pope Francis in the Church in heaven.

Devotion to Blessed Carlo in our parishes has taken deep roots and produced much fruit in many people’s lives, often in surprising ways. Last summer, we obtained a first class relic of Blessed Carlo (hair cuttings) which it would be good to make available for people to see and venerate when they visit St. Mary’s in Largs. With the Bishop’s permission, it is hoped to erect a SHRINE TO BLESSED CARLO in St. Mary’s church, probably at the back of our current side aisle. The basic idea is to erect a “triptych” or three-panelled display: at the centre, will be a representation of Blessed Carlo and, on either side, representations of SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi. A few benches will be removed to make room for a votive candle stand and a kneeler. Our first class relic of Blessed Carlo will be embedded appropriately to ensure security and accessibility.

As an extraordinary expense, the project can only proceed if we raise enough funds to realise it.  In order to produce something truly beautiful and worthy of our church, I think we want to aim for about £10k. My hope is that the shrine can become a place of pilgrimage for people who hear of it and in whose hearts there is already a devotion to Blessed Carlo and the other saints of Assisi. The main goal must remain to draw them closer to the Eucharist, to Christ Himself.

If you are able to make a contribution towards this project (and I know not everyone is in these challenging times), I would be very grateful. On the contactless terminal in St. Mary’s church, an option is there to donate towards the Blessed Carlo shrine. Evidently, you can donate in any other way you wish. May God bless and prosper this project!

QR code and link to facilitate donations.

Blessed Carlo Shrine