Over 2,500 Catholics from across England and Wales, including pilgrims from the Diocese of Northampton, came together over the weekend of 24–26 July for the sold-out WeBelieve Festival at St Mary’s College, Oscott, the seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
The festival welcomed a vibrant mix of weekend pilgrims, day visitors, families, young people, clergy and religious. Some camped on the seminary grounds, while others stayed in local hotels or travelled each day from home, creating a joyful atmosphere of prayer, friendship and shared faith.
Throughout the weekend, participants enjoyed a rich programme of Masses, formation workshops, catechesis, worship, activities for all ages and opportunities for prayer and reconciliation. Alongside the packed schedule, there was plenty of time to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and experience the joy of belonging to the wider Catholic Church. A variety of food trucks and cafés added to the welcoming festival atmosphere.
Celebrating Mass in the main St Peter’s Tent on Saturday morning, Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, described the gathering as “a real foretaste of the heavenly gathering.”
In the homily, Fr Stephen Wang, Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, reminded pilgrims that the vibrant witness of the festival reflects the everyday reality of Christian life.
“This is not special; it is just normal life. This is what being Church is meant to be.”
Reflecting on St Paul’s words from the Second Letter to the Corinthians, “We believe, and therefore we speak,” Fr Stephen encouraged those present to carry the Gospel beyond the festival.
“This festival is not just for ourselves; it is for everyone you will meet.”
The annual festival continues to bring together Catholics from many different spiritual traditions, movements, parishes and communities, celebrating the richness and diversity of the Church while encouraging participants to deepen their relationship with Christ and return home renewed in mission.
