‘Oct.06’ in Birmingham

‘Oct.06‘ was billed as the “biggest gathering of young Catholics in England and Wales” for over a quarter of a century, so how could we not be there? This national event was organized by Catholic Youth Services, an agency of the Bishop’s Conference and it was held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on 14th and 15th October.

Although we could not stay for the entire weekend, Brothers Bruno, David, Lawrence and Paul spent most of Saturday afternoon at the NIA, together with an estimated 1000 young people and other priests and religious. The keynote speaker for the day was Fr J Glenn Murray, an American Jesuit who regaled the crowd with his vigorous and participatory talk on why the Mass is exciting. “It’s about an attitude of gratitude“, he said.

We are certainly grateful that the bishops and CYS put together this event which also provided a range of workshops and talks, Catholic speed dating (!) and moments of prayer and adoration. The weekend offered a wonderful opportunity for us to meet other young Catholics, to share the Dominican vision and charism with them and to bear witness together to the people of Birmingham of our love for Christ and the Gospel and the vibrancy of His Church in our land.