Young Adults Gather in Illuminated Cathedral

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

The Bishop of Nottingham has appealed to the youth of his diocese, to be “Ambassadors for Hope” while celebrating Mass, during Nottingham’s annual Light Night Festival.

During a powerful homily, reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope, Bishop Patrick McKinney said: “Pope Francis has especially highlighted the importance of young people - young adults - because as he says they are the joy and the hope of the Church and of the world. And that’s why I would like you to think of yourselves not just as pilgrims of hope but also as ambassadors of hope.”

An estimated 100 young people from across Nottingham Diocese, congregated at Saint Barnabas Cathedral on Friday February 28, which was spectacularly illuminated for a late-night Mass, in honour of the city’s annual event.

 Reflecting further on the city’s celebration of light, Bishop Patrick told the young adults: “Hope is like a light shining in the dark. Look around you this evening at the light. Hope is like a light shining in the dark, reminding us that God is very much present. Hope is the reassurance that the darkness we all face at times will not overwhelm us if we hold on to and place our trust and confidence in the truth; this wonderful truth that since our baptism, God is always close to us.”

This is the third year in which the cathedral has participated in the city-wide tradition, when buildings and streets are illuminated after dark, to showcase Nottingham’s landmarks.

Bishop Patrick was inspired to participate, when he learned of a growing tradition in the French town of Lile, where young adults meet at 10pm every Tuesday, for Mass by candlelight at their university’s chapel.

Following Mass, there was time for Eucharistic Adoration in which young people were invited to meditate on the Scriptural passage, about the bleeding woman who touches the hem of Christ’ garment.  

Every young person present, elected to touch the garment, in recognition of their need for Christ’s healing in their lives.

Reflecting on the evening, Charles Archer, Diocesan Young Adult Ministry Lead, commented on how inspiring it was to see every single young person present themselves for healing. “Everyone came forward and dedicated time to kneeling before the Lord,” he said. “It was really beautiful.”

A young adult, Clement, who attended and helped with the running of the event as an Altar Server, added: “It was amazing! I loved the Adoration at the end, and it was nice to see the cathedral lit up so beautifully.”  

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To find out about more events and opportunities for 18-35 year olds, please contact Charles Archer: charles.archer@dioceseofnottingham.uk