Page 10, 24th July 2009
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NEARLY 500 YOUNG people between the ages of 16 and 30 attended the annual diocesan Brightlights festival held in the beautiful grounds of St Joseph’s pastoral centre, in Hendon in north-west London, from July 10 to 12.
Many well-known and respected personalities of both the Catholic and secular world attended this year’s festival.
Organised by a group of volunteers from many communities working actively in London including Verbum Dei and Focolare, as well as other committed Catholics, this year’s festival was agreed by all to have been a great success.
Helping explore the theme of “Happy are you” the TV cook Delia Smith shared her continually deepening discovery of the richness of a well-developed spiritual life. She gave practical tips on how to develop a nourishing prayer life.
Also deepening the theme were Barry and Margaret Mizen, parents of murdered Londoner, Jimmy Mizen. Sitting on the edge of the stage at the front of the 90ft marquee they shared their story with an honesty that brought tears to many eyes.
They spoke of the importance of finding a peaceful response and how their faith had supported them at a time when so many other people expected them to be angry. Mrs Mizen said: “I can’t be angry because it was anger that killed Jimmy. I don’t want to pass on that anger.” Kepha Ngito and Alice Atieno Ahenda from Kenya shared their story of creating hope for young adults. Speaking of conflict, Kepha said: “If you give violence out, violence comes back, but if you give peace out, peace comes back.” Tobias Jones, author of The Salati Case, challenged everybody in their concepts of community living.
“There is something for everybody,” said one participant. “You can start the day with a talk on prayer and finish with an intellectual debate on the feasibility of living in a nuclear family.” On Sunday Archbishop Vincent Nichols walked around the festival. He said: “I support and encourage the young people in this diocese.” The young people gathered for a closing Mass in the outdoor cathedral in the trees, named Convent Garden, for its location near the home of the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
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