WALSINGHAM - 31 August 2006 - 345 words
Bishop
calls for more dioceses to support Youth 2000
More young Catholics across the dioceses should take part in the
radical work of Youth 2000, the Bishop of Lancaster said on Monday.
The Bishop's remarks were made during the closing Mass of Youth
2000's annual prayer festival in Walsingham. The five day retreat
at the shrine, entitled 'Godsgift@Walsingham', saw around
1,300 young adults come together for Eucharistic worship and Marian
devotions.
The Rt Revd Patrick O'Donoghue, Bishop of Lancaster, reflecting
on his experience of the event, said: "Young people, we need
you in the Church. We need your prayer and fidelity; we need your
generosity and commitment; we need your youthfulness and inspiration.
The Church calls out for your insight and radicality, your fire
and enthusiasm, in challenging the complacency and mediocrity
within our Catholic community and society. Never has our world
been so much in need of people like yourselves, inspired by the
Spirit, with minds and hearts open to Jesus, the Way, the Truth
and the Life."
He added: "I would encourage and welcome even more diocesan
representation at the Walsingham Youth 2000 festival. Every diocese
should consider sending young people to this gathering centred
on evangelisation and prayer."
The views of the bishop were echoed by the young adults who were
present at the international festival, which is now in its 15th
year. Nicola Coultie, a 25 year old from the Diocese of Leeds,
commented: "For me, the festival was a very prayerful experience
and I really enjoyed it. The best bits were the ability to take
part in Adoration and the Eucharistic Healing Service."
As well as devotions, the festival also featured a range of workshops,
discussion groups and talks. Various Catholic organisations were
represented at the retreat, including the Catholic Agency to Support
Evangelisation (CASE), Aid to the Church in Need, Scottish Relief
International and the Good Counsel Network.
During the event, Charlie Conner assumed the role of National
Director of Youth 2000, as the outgoing post-holder Robert Toone
joined the Youth 2000 Board of Trustees as Chairman.
Source: CASE
© Independent Catholic
News 2006
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