Young people from across the Bedford Pastoral Area came together on Sunday afternoon for a special Youth Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, organised by NYMO, the Northampton Youth Ministry Office. The celebration was filled with joy, faith, and renewal, as young Catholics gathered to pray, worship, and witness the Sacraments together.
The Mass was presided over by Fr Emmanuel, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal from Canning Town in the Diocese of Brentwood. Fr Emmanuel has deep roots in Bedford; he attended St Gregory’s Middle School and St Thomas More Secondary School, and his family still live locally. His return to his home community was a moment of joy and encouragement for all present.
During the Mass, Fr Richard Aladics celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for a young woman named Shai, who was also confirmed, along with Milla and Maddox. It was a moving witness of faith for everyone attending, as the community prayed for these young people beginning and strengthening their journey with Christ.
In his powerful homily, Fr Emmanuel invited everyone, especially the young people, to reflect deeply on one simple question:
“How is your faith?”
He spoke honestly about the struggles and questions many face, reminding everyone that doubt is not the opposite of faith but part of a real and living relationship with God. Sharing the moving story of a woman he once met during a delayed flight, Fr Emmanuel spoke about how God can open the “door of faith” in unexpected ways.
“Faith is a gift from God,” he said. “But it’s one that we can ask for and one that He will always grant to us because He wants us to know Him.”
Drawing on Scripture and personal stories, Fr Emmanuel encouraged everyone to nurture their faith like a flame, something that can grow brighter or fade if not cared for. He urged the young congregation to build a “spiritual workout programme” for their lives:
- Daily prayer,
- Weekly Mass, and
- Monthly
“Without the flame of faith,” he said, “we walk in darkness. So fan it into a flame! Feed it with prayer, the sacraments, and good friendships with people of faith.”
The celebration concluded with joyful music, prayer, and fellowship—a powerful sign of the Church alive and growing among the young people of Bedford.
Listen to Fr Emmanuel’s homily here:
