Thousands of young Catholics joined in praise at Wembley last weekend, cheering, singing and dancing for God.
They also calmed to a hush to listen to inspirational speakers and to pray.
Flame 2019, organised by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation (CYMFed) and supported by organisations such as the Catenians, a group of around 10,000 Catholic men and their families who meet socially to develop faith and friendship, saw 8,500 young people from all the dioceses of England and Wales examine the theme of ‘Significance’.
They were given an entertaining and participatory programme which saw them jump up and down to rap Gospel, enjoy the visual spectacle of Rise Theatre, and witness most of the bishops of England and Wales join them in a Mexican wave. They contributed towards spectacular lighting effects through waving the torches on their mobile phones.
Focusing on the theme of "Significance", speakers and performers looked at each person's life being unique and special to God.
Pope Francis sent a message urging them to review “not only our place in the world but what has lasting treasure in our lives”.
Jean Vanier, aged 90, founder of the L’Arche, did a video presentation, urging the young people to accept others as they are and find happiness in helping others. “I hope you will find the secret of your life,” he said, “and discover how beautiful you are.”
Read a transcript of Jean Vanier's testimony here
Cardinal Vincent Nichols said he felt Vanier helped the young people “to understand their lives as a gift from God with a God-given purpose”.
Cardinal Nichols at Flame 2019. Photo: Catenians
Archbishop Eamonn Martin, Primate of All Ireland gave feedback on the recent youth synod and warned young people not to give up on hope in a world plagued by such problems as human trafficking and separation of families through migration and poverty. “You, my young friends are in the heart of God and in the heart of the Church” he reflected. He urged them to find stable moral reference points and they joined him in a rousing rendition of "Amazing Grace".
In a dynamic presentation US Pastor Robert Madu urged the youth “to stay on their own mark, rather than other people’s marks”.
They cheered his warnings about measuring self-esteem in Twitter and Instagram "likes", responses to Facebook status updates and Snapchat conversations.
Engagement with social media was clearly a key issue for these young people and how they define their identities.
Young people rejoice in God at Flame 2019. Photo: Catenians
London Christian rapper Guvna B’s music highlighted the influence of peer pressure. Youth seemed enthralled to hear his story about growing up in East London and finding his vocation in Gospel music. “My upbringing helped me find my faith in Jesus,” he told them. “The negative things I saw in my society inspired me to do better and inspire people to be the best they can be instead of becoming stereotypical products of a negative environment."
The youth enthusiastically joined liturgy leader Tim Hughes in singing of some of his famous hymns, such as "Here I am to worship". Creative activities in the lunch break were led by CAFOD, Pax Christi, Columban missionaries, Passionists, HCPT and others.
It was a long day for groups, some of which were on the road from 5am, but the Nottingham youth with their Robin Hood green hats and Salesians of Don Bosco in their yellow and black scarves were among those heading back to their dioceses inspired and happy. Youth workers could give themselves a pat on the back. Leeds Diocesan Youth tweeted, “we want to thank everyone who was involved in the event, the organisers, volunteers, musicians and the incredible speakers that have really left our young people inspired”. Clifton Youth said, “we thank God for the many voices and inspirational moments”. The next gathering of Flame will be in 2020.
CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS talks to James Power, editor of the Catenian magazine, about Flame.
What do you think the importance of this event is for young people? What do you think it shows about Catholic youth?
This Flame event in the Wembley arena is a wonderful moment, because we see here nine or ten thousand people who are realising that their faith as Catholics is shared. They’re part of a big family. And secondly, they’re learning, because of what they’re hearing and seeing, that there’s something deeply personal, individual about their faith as well. So they get a sense, as Jean Vanier said, there’s a dream in their hearts, and the weaver of the dream is God. And the way to find and realise that dream is to live in God’s presence, and to walk with Jesus who wants to work with us. So there’s a deeply personal message here, but there’s also a sense that we don’t ever do this alone; we’re never, ever alone. There’s always a community, there’s always a bond between those who want to follow Jesus and those who want to make him the guide and inspiration in their lives. So I think today young people learn those two lessons.
Do you have a message for Catenians who have been reading and finding out about this event?
I would most warmly thank the Catenians for their support of this event, and I’d like to encourage them to know that with their experience and their commitment, they do play such an important part in strengthening both local Catholic communities and also bringing resources to events such as this. It’s lovely to meet you, a young Catenian and I hope there are many, many more in Catenian Circles around the country.
What is your highlight of the day?
I really was very touched listening to Jean Vanier and I thought the middle part of his testimony was really lovely.
Lovely to talk to you, thank you for your time.
Loading ...
