Last week the Knock Summer Festival attracted some 600 young people to celebrate their faith in a lively environment. David Walsh from the Youth Ministry Team in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois gives an account of the festival experience.

On Friday evening last (June 25), the small convoy of cars carrying the young pilgrims from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois arrived in Knock, equipped with sleeping bags, tents and in some cases shorts (just in case!), ready for another Knock Summer Festival. Some of the group had been before, but for most it was a new experience - and a good one.

''Knock Summer Festival was a fantastic weekend. I met so many different people from all over Ireland who had such a strong faith. It was a very inspiring weekend,'' said Aine Egan (18) who was attending for the first time. Anita Allen from Moate, who volunteers with Ardagh and Clonmacnois Youth Ministry, said she enjoyed the mix of different people. ''I loved the people in our group and you meet so many people from all over the country.''

(Giant footsteps at the basilica in Knock illustrate the theme 'Walk by faith')

Clear view

The group was led by Fr Patsy McDermott (Youth Director, Ardagh and Clonmacnois), who has a very clear view on what he perceives youth ministry to be. ''We have an adopted mission statement for our Diocesan Youth Ministry, 'In working with young people do not try to call them back to where they were, and do not call them to where you are as beautiful as that place may seem to you. You must have the courage to go with them to a place neither you nor they have been before.' And that's why we're here in Knock!''

The opening talk of the festival, entitled 'Walk by Faith', was given by Dr Andrew O'Connell, who spoke of the challenge to being a Catholic in a time of rapid technological and scientific progress. ''For me, it is very important for people like Andrew to speak strongly about their faith,'' said Anita Allen. ''Young people need all different kinds of advocates for their faith, including those who can speak up from an academic background.'' After attending the opening talk, we headed off for some relaxation time in the chill-out marquee, a place where certain members of our group were to be regularly seen throughout the weekend!

Sr Helen Prejean, CSJ from New Orleans was described by one girl attending as ''the headline act'' for the weekend. Sr Helen is known worldwide for her ministry within prisons and her determination to abolish the death penalty. Her book Dead Man Walking is an international bestseller and was developed into an award-winning film starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn.

Struggle

In her talk 'Faith in Action', Sr Helen (pictured 2nd right with other Festival participants) spoke of 'answering the call' and the necessary struggle to find our call in life. ''We are born in mystery, we die in mystery and we spend our lives trying to figure it out,'' she said. Sr Helen encouraged young people to volunteer themselves freely in order to find their call - a call to compassion - saying ''Don't be afraid, get out and do it!'' Sr Helen spoke a number of times throughout the weekend and really struck a chord with the young people.

The weekend was packed with so many different and challenging workshops, led by some very inspiring speakers. There were workshops dealing with issues from social justice to love and relationships, to struggling to find God in our everyday lives. Ann Marie Tobin, after attending the workshop 'Walking with people from different traditions' said: ''A Protestant girl gave her reaction to the youth festival. It was so positive.'' There were also workshops for the more creative individuals, including music (with Slí Eile), clay and pottery, dancing, and even prayer through drumming. We spent the weekend alternating between workshops, attending talks, meeting new people and drinking numerous cups of coffee in the chill-out café. Warren Gilfillan who volunteers with Ardagh and Clonmacnois Youth Ministry said: ''What I like about the summer festival in Knock is that it welcomes all young people at different levels of faith, not just the very devout.''

Explained

''Everyone is loved by God and everyone has their own way of loving and worshipping God. Those running the workshops or services did not assume a certain level of understanding or knowledge and patiently explained the meaning behind each activity. They even had a step-by-step guide to confession!''

The reconciliation service on Saturday night for many was the highlights of the weekend. It was led by Brian McKee (Youthcom, Down and Connor). Brian spoke openly and honestly about the importance of reconciliation and healing with ourselves, our family and with God. The atmosphere created by Brian's words together with the music and lighting was amazing and you could sense something very special was happening.

Apart from the planned activities, there are also the experiences that come from meeting with so many different people from different backgrounds. Marian Corcoran and Aine Egan told of an interesting conversation they had at their table during lunch one day: ''We met a young man who gave us an extraordinary witness of how his life turned around through getting to know God. He was so sincere and genuine and didn't really fit our idea of 'holy people'. Then on Saturday night we met a Filipino priest who was so enthusiastic and friendly. He introduced us to many different people I would never have dreamed of approaching.''

Energised

Physically tired but spiritually energised, our convoy headed back to the Midlands, ready to share their experiences and put their faith into action.

''Sr Helen was amazing. Her talks were so inspiring and challenged me to think about compassion,'' said Aine Egan. When asked if he will be returning next year, Fr Patsy said ''Of course!'' ''The young people get so much out of the weekend. They arrive with the weight of the world on their shoulders and leave with peace in their hearts''.

Ardagh and Clonmacnois Youth Ministry would like to thank Helen Toner (Youth Director, Knock) and all her team for such an enjoyable weekend and for the welcome shown to all those who attended. Keep up the good work!

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