On Saturday 4th of March, Downside School attended the National Catholic Youth Congress called Flame. Staffed by Chaplaincy, a group of eleven 4th Formers journeyed to London’s Wembley Arena to join 8000 other people, for an inspiring day. Speaking to the pupils were, Cardinal Tagle (Cardinal to the Philippines), Archbishop Costelloe SDB (Archbishop of Perth, Australia), Jenny Garzón Saavedra (a teacher from the Amazon) and Robert Bilott (an American corporate lawyer who inspired the movie ‘Dark Waters’ 2019).
The group was entertained by solo artist Adeniké, Catholic worship group ‘One hope Project’ and rap artists Guvna B and Faith Child.
The theme of this year’s congress was, ‘Rise Up’ taken from this years theme for World Youth Day in Portugal. After the Angel Gabriele told Mary that she was going to have Jesus, she arose and went with Haste to meet Elizabeth. (Luke 7:39)
The Theme was throughout the event and the pupils were challenged to Rise Up in their faith for the Poor, Refugee and recognise the ‘Angels’ that have been in their lives who have supported them in their faith. They were really spoilt for choice of the amount of people who wanted to challenge them to keep going in their faith.
The day concluded with a beautiful time of adoration led by the Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
The day was long, we left school at 8.30am and were back in school by 9.30pm, but it was a day to remember for all of us. To meet other Catholic Young people, who were also worshiping, praying and Rising up to go with Haste to the Father.
The Chaplaincy thanks CYMFed Flame team for all the hard work and planning, to make it happen. For Mr Lawrence driving us up there. Mr O’Rourke, Vicente (St Scholastica) and Pascal (St Scholastica) for supporting the pupils and Mr Andrewartha in the running of the day. Bring on the next Flame, Saturday 14th March 2025!!
A reflection from James who attended:
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the day at Wembley Arena, from the musicians to the readers and to the adoration. Every second I spent at Flame, I was in awe of the fact that everyone who was there were so united, so in harmony with one another, it was just beautiful. Somehow, I feel so much closer to God and to my faith than I ever was, just due to the people and the event, it really moved me. Thank you so much to those who organised us going to the event, it was truly an amazing opportunity. Thank you.
