Some 250 + gathered for festos - a special festival day for the young people of the diocese to get together and celebrate World Youth Day. The theme was the Global Church and our day started with worship led by CJM and John Bell from the Iona community started told us stories of faith from around the world and teaching us songs from other countries. We had a link-up with the group from the diocese who were actually in Australia with 250,000 others and the Pope. 

We had so many workshops it was difficult to choose between hearing more from John Bell, learning to mime with Steve Murray, doing drama with Tooza Crowd, chatting with the Bishop, or creating something in the Art Project. Thankfully they all ran twice! All day long there were things to do – the 5-a-side tournament, a prayer walk, gospel singing, instrumentals, a CAFOD area (with free food!), the band behavya, writing our Jesus stories and a prayer tent for when a little peace and space was needed. We even had a free lunch.

The day ended with the Mass led by the Bishop, a choir from the singing workshop, and several young people. The hall was packed and we had a great time of worship together.  The Mass ended with a sketch by Tooza Crowd on ‘Go into the World’ which was funny and made us think which was a good way to end a great day. When is the next one Avril?

See the photo gallery for pictures!