The Church of the Visitation Taynuilt

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

30/05/2026

On Saturday, 30 May at 7pm Pope Leo will preside over the recitation of the Holy Rosary at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens. All people and all Shrines around the world are invited to join him in praying the Rosary.
Pope Leo will pray the Joyful Mysteries, with each decade dedicated specifically for those affected by war and violence and entrusting them to the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace.

The first mystery prays for the victims of war, especially the most vulnerable, while the second is for those who bring words of hope and the comfort of faith to populations affected by war. The third recalls the medical and paramedical personnel and volunteers who bring humanitarian aid every day. The fourth mystery prays for those who suffer the violence of war, for prisoners and for all who endure humiliations that violate human dignity. The fifth and final Joyful Mystery is dedicated to praying for an end to war and the establishment of lasting peace in the world.

27/05/2026

It is with sadness that I inform you that Fr Paul Hackett SJ died in Preston yesterday morning. May he rest in peace. Fr Paul was 96 years of age and in his 80th year of Religious Life. Our diocese was blessed by Fr Paul’s ministry for many years for which we are very grateful. I know that you will remember Fr Paul in your prayers.
The funeral arrangements will be announced when they have been made.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

Mass today 4pm