St. Aidan's Church - Johnstone

10/06/2026

Blessed Feast of Corpus Christi! We have a special Daily Jolt from St. Carlo Acutis.

10/06/2026

Pope Leo spends part of the flight in the cockpit (including takeoff!) with the pilots, blessing the flight and asking questions on how to fly!

09/06/2026

The principal events of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to France have been announced.

Today, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, President of the French Bishops’ Conference, confirmed the Masses and Services that will take place during the Holy Father’s visit from 25–28 September:

• 25 September – Solemn Vespers at Notre-Dame de Paris with priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, religious sisters and brothers, and seminarians from across France.

• 25 September (evening) – A large prayer vigil with young people from across France.

• 26 September – A solemn open-air Mass in Paris.

• 27 September – Mass in Lourdes on the meadow opposite the Grotto of Massabielle.

• 28 September – Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz.

Cardinal Aveline has invited Catholics across France to begin preparing spiritually for the Holy Father’s visit, asking the faithful to pray that this apostolic journey may bear abundant fruit for the Church and society.

Please keep Pope Leo XIV and the Church in France in your prayers as preparations continue for this historic visit.

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Today we celebrate St Columba, one of Scotland's patron saints and one of the greatest missionaries of the early Church.

Born in Gartan, County Donegal, in 521, Columba – known in Irish as *Colum Cille* or "Dove of the Church" – left Ireland and sailed with twelve companions to the island of Iona in 563. From this small island off Scotland's west coast, he established a monastery that became a centre of prayer, learning and evangelisation.

St Columba dedicated his life to preaching Christ and sharing the Gospel among the peoples of Scotland. Through his faith, leadership and missionary zeal, Iona became the spiritual heart of the Scottish Church, and generations of missionaries carried his work throughout Scotland and beyond.

Known for his deep prayer, love of Scripture, care for the poor and compassion for those in need, St Columba combined great strength of character with remarkable gentleness. His witness continues to inspire Christians more than fourteen centuries after his death.

As we celebrate his feast day, let us give thanks for the faith he helped establish in our land and pray for a renewed spirit of missionary discipleship in Scotland today.

St Columba, pray for us.

08/06/2026

The Holy Father Pope Leo has appointed Father Joe Burke as a Chaplain of His Holiness.

With this appointment as Chaplain, the Pope also bestowed upon him the honorary title of Monsignor. The honour recognises a priest's faithful and meritorious service to the Catholic Church.

The Greenock-born priest has served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Paisley for more than 10 years, having previously served as Treasurer of the diocese.

Ordained in 1998, Monsignor Burke has served in Paisley, Port Glasgow, Johnstone, Houston and Barrhead. Since 2020, he has served as Administrator of St Mirin’s Cathedral.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Keenan said, “I want to congratulate Monsignor Joe on this honour which is well merited on account of his dedicated service to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Paisley over many years of priestly service, as well as his assured service in the Diocesan Curia.”

Responding to the news, Monsignor Burke said, “I am very moved and surprised by this appointment. It is a special privilege. I am thankful to God for calling me to be a priest and for the many opportunities He continues to give me to serve His people in the Diocese of Paisley."

08/06/2026

Feast of Corpus Christi Year A - 7t June 2026