Devotion in our parishes to the newly canonised Saint Carlo Acutis has taken deep roots and produced much fruit in many people’s lives, often in surprising ways. We have obtained a first class relic of Saint 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 SAINT CARLO  in St. Mary’s church, at the back of our current side aisle. The basic idea is to erect a “triptych” of icons: at the centre, will be a representation of Saint 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 Saint Carlo will be embedded appropriately to ensure security and accessibility.

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.