Over the weekend of 25–28 July 2025, Catholics from across the UK gathered at Oscott College for the We Believe Festival—a vibrant celebration of Catholic life and mission. The festival opened on Friday evening, the Feast of St James, with a solemn Mass at which Bishop David Oakley was the principal celebrant. He was joined by Archbishop Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, and Bishop Nicholas Hudson, Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster, marking a powerful beginning to a weekend filled with worship, witness, and renewal.
This year’s festival was especially significant as it coincided with the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.), where the Church first proclaimed the Nicene Creed. The We Believe Festival took this historic milestone as a key inspiration, celebrating the enduring truth and unity of faith handed down through the centuries. The Creed remains a central expression of Catholic belief—affirming that, even 17 centuries on, the Church continues to profess boldly, “We believe.”
Designed to be a Christ-centred ecosystem, the We Believe Festival brought together the whole Church—from seekers and enquirers to religious and ordained ministers. In a spirit of joyful communion, the weekend featured prayer, catechesis, music, fellowship, and conversation rooted in the mission of the Church today.
Bishop David participated in two panel discussions within the “Parish Renewal” stream, focusing on the theme of mission. As Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Evangelisation and Discipleship, Bishop David remarked, “I am delighted to be attending the We Believe Festival and meeting so many people engaged in evangelisation across our countries.”
In a workshop conversation with Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff, Bishop David reflected on the meaning of mission in the life of the Church: “What is mission? Some people—priests and laity—believe that mission is everything they do. Mission poses the question: how are we sharing the Gospel in our everyday life?”
The Diocese of Northampton was well represented among the many voices and ministries gathered. The We Believe Festival continues to grow as a key moment in the Church’s calendar, drawing the faithful together to be renewed in their love for Christ and sent out again to share the Good News.
