On Saturday 14th May over 400 young people aged 11-18 years old gathered in Milton Keynes for the annual Blaze Conference. The event, organised by NYMO, the diocesan youth office, is an opportunity for all those making their Confirmation this year to meet with Bishop David, to meet each other and celebrate our Catholic faith in a vibrant and exciting way.
This year the young people listened to Dom Quaglia, an American evangelist and teacher who has been touring our diocese with his wife, Sarah Kroger a praise and worship recording artist before watching popular mime artist, Steve Murray. Bishop David then put himself in the firing line as the candidates fired questions at him. The questions ranged from “what is your worst sin” to “why do you support Aston Villa”?
Bishop David took the opportunity to encourage them saying
“Jesus offers you a different kind of love (agape), the kind of love that you can have when the Holy Spirit comes down upon you and shows you who Jesus is. The Holy Spirit is not going to force Himself upon you. You have to choose whether to receive the Gifts from the Spirit or not. Are you? Are you going to be open to what the Holy Spirit wants to do in your life. I will promise you this…it’s exciting!”
During the day many young people took the opportunity to receive healing through he Sacrament of reconciliation swell as signing up to social action projects and playing a greater role in the life of our church and our society.
Bishop David thanked NYMO for the work they put into organising the day and the Catechists which may the day possible. He now looks forward to seeing them again in their parishes when he confers the Sacrament upon them.