The Church of the Visitation Taynuilt

01/09/2026

24/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19EGFk1hhi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today I began with Mass at 6am on the Feast of St Bartholomew, apostle. The first Reading revealed that Jesus gave the Church 12 foundations - the Apostles - which would continue the ministry of Christ before its fulfilment as the Bride of Christ at the End of Time. The Church’s mission is the same as Christ’s and so serving the poor, vulnerable and marginalised are integral to our mission.
After Mass we had a meeting with Caritas Malawi, the Catholic Church’s aid and development organisation just as SCIAF is for the Scottish Bishops’ Conference. SCIAF has been partners of Caritas Malawi for over 40 years. This is characteristic of SCIAF’s partner model: long term commitment to a group which shares the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in a relationship of equal partners rather than than a power unbalance of donors and recipients. Our meeting was an opportunity to listen to each other’s needs and realities, express our solidarity, deepen our partnership and so increase the impact of both Caritas Malawi and SCIAF.
We have all heard of El Niño weather phenomenon. Northern Malawi expects extreme dryness and drought while the south faces the consequences of flash flooding. There has been a steady increase in climate shocks which means people haven’t properly recovered before the next one strikes. This weakens peoples’ ability to flourish and even survive. The Malawian Church is highly respected for its work in helping the most vulnerable, not just in the aftermath of disaster (e.g. food relief) but helping them become more resilient before a particular challenge occurs (e.g. practical advice for the most suitable crops for the predicted weather system). I am delighted that our own Scottish Church helps though SCIAF - and that of course includes you for all your donations and interest. In doing so you continue the ministry of Jesus and, even here on earth, make the Church more truly the Bride of Christ.

18/08/2026

https://www.rcdai.org.uk/planning/?fbclid=IwRlRTSATw7AFwZG9mBWZkaWQWUMvNvQAuDStwmt9hAkeCboZZ2amQ-2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4T-0O4-Jd87IPuSr9eXswA5_WvMcQuVMVMZVAGySxsU4TIN5HHEjzfwRAfHw_aem_5jcYRvHwj8n3TE8e3_rIqA

The Discernment of Mission PASTORAL LETTER Discernment for Mission EXPLANATION OF THE PROCESS FOR DISCERNING FUTURE PLANNING FOR MISSION IN THE DIOCESE OF ARGYL

29/06/2026

Congratulations to the young Visitation parishioner, Taynuilt who was confirmed today on the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul.

21/06/2026

Happy Father's Day and Happy Anniversary of your Ordination, Fr Philip Bua.

16/06/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast of All Saints of Scotland. We rejoice in all those Scots, mostly ordinary people, who are now in heaven. May all of us, through God’s mercy, join them one day.

10/06/2026

The Saltire proudly flies during a breezy sail to Islay last year. I love the Scotland flag! I look forward to seeing it on Sunday morning at the World Cup, something I took for granted as a youth but increasingly doubted I would ever see again.
We have all been horrified at the recent violence and intimidation unleashed on migrants by masked hooligans who claim to be ‘defending’ their nation or community. Last night this happened in several Scottish cities and towns. A rich few rewrite the ‘truth’ on social media and/or through political sound bites. Assaulting people on the basis of their ethnicity is always wrong and is no way to solve any complex issue. Most Scottish Catholics are themselves immigrants or descended from immigrants. Our history alone should form our conscience, never mind the Gospel. Christians are called to be leaven for the world and we enrich our society by witnessing to the Gospel. As your bishop I ask you to please dialogue with those you hear encouraging any form of racism and sectarianism, including within your family or social circles. Listening and honest sharing is invaluable for growth.
Back to our national flag. I wonder if those who wish to hijack the Flag of St Andrew realise that St Andrew was a foreigner from the Middle East and that our flag’s central image recalls that he gave his life in a foreign land witnessing to Jesus Christ and the universality of God’s love, a beautiful reality we are all called to share in.
+Brian

09/06/2026

04/06/2026

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 25th May - 1st June 2027.
Bishop Brian will be leading our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes next year. The itinerary is still being finalised, but price per pilgrim is likely to be approximately £1200 - £1300. To register your interest please email Fr. Ronald Campbell: [email protected] by Friday, 19th June.

02/06/2026

Seated in the middle of my small group during the October ‘23 Synod in Rome are Sandra Chaoul (Lebanon) and Bishop Alan (Belfast) who along with Fr David McCallum SJ (USA) and Jim Deeds (Belfast) will be key note speakers during this Saturday’s Festival of Synodality at Glasgow Caledonian University. For anyone who wants to participate in a Church that intentionally listens to the promptings of the Holy Spirit this day is certainly for you! If you’re not convinced then still come along and we can learn from each other! Let us know you are coming at bit.ly/synodality26