Already the end of 1945 saw memorials and plaques being erected to commemorate and honour those who died during the war.
In Greenock, the Free French Memorial Cross was unveiled in 1946, dedicated to the memory of sailors of the Free French Naval Forces who lost their lives while based in Greenock. In the local cemetery, there is a Civilian war Memorial dedicated to those who perished during the Greenock Blitz.
In St Mary's, Greenock, a brass plaque was erected in memory of men from the parish who died during the conflict. In St John's Barrhead, two panels list the names of men from the congregation who gave their life between 1939-1945.
diocese of paisley - the need of new parishes
Originally part of the Archdiocese of Glasgow, the crowded parishes of the historic county of Renfrewshire became parts of the new Diocese of Paisley when it was erected on May 25, 1947. James Black was appointed Bishop of Paisley on February 28, 1948.
The end of the war and the increasing Catholic population soon meant that new parishes were a necessity. Holy Family (Port Glasgow) was founded "to meet the growing needs of the new housing developments in the area after the war. [...] Prior to the new church being built, [priests] resided in what had been known in wartime as HMS Monk, a series of huts which [were] converted into a church, a presbytery and a hall."*
*Source: Rev. Bernard Canning, Diocese of Paisley 1947-1997 (FSA Scot, 1999) p. 153.
never again!
Much has been done since the end of the war to make sure that it was the last worldwide conflict. Concepts such as 'sister cities' emerged right after the war following the initiatives of POWs and concentration camps' survivors who wanted to foster peace and reconciliation and calm hatred and resentment. For example, Paisley and Fürth (Germany) have been twin towns since 1969. Similarly, many countries have adopted friendship treaties to ensure long lasting peace and cultural exchange.
Unfortunately, despite these efforts, wars have since then continued to shock and shatter the world of millions.
Although these times may frighten us, let us try to remember the words of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter:
"We need no rifles or pistols for our battle but instead, spiritual weapons - and the foremost among these is prayer.... Through prayer, we continually implore new grace from God, since without God's help and grace it would be impossible for us to preserve the Faith and be true to His commandments..."