From June 23-25, a few hundred Young People gathered at Alton Castle, Stoke-on-Trent to celebrate: Brightlights 2017.  Twenty three young people from Sacred Heart, St Joseph’s and St Vincent’s Churches in Nechells and Aston set off by minibus eager to enjoy a very blessed weekend and they were not disappointed!

The main purpose of this event is to bring Young People together in one place for praise, worship, adoration, fun time in the presence of GOD and to make new friends through GOD. Indeed, young people are the centre. This year, the theme was: “Unlimited”. In order to better understand why people and especially the youth turn up massively to Brightlights, let us look at the impact these three days in the presence of GOD has on them. Then, how the theme chosen this year made Brightlights 2017 a special one.

 First and foremost everybody feels welcome there. Everyone nicely mingle together for these three days. In fact, it is so much so that there is a joyful atmosphere whilst getting together, which turns into sadness when it is about time to leave and then a real excitement from these young people attending the current event to take part to the following year’s event as well. Besides, the activities and workshops brilliantly organised by the team of mainly volunteers working with the priests from the parish of Alton Castle, make this gathering so enjoyable. Plus, there are testimonies, life sharing experiences, the priests Homilies, talks and discussions, all of which contribute to these young adults lives in the way that,  some happen to discover something new about life, Christianity, GOD and also about themselves. Some happen to be deeply touched by what they saw or heard. Some are left absolutely intrigued, wanting to do or change something about their lives. Some get answers to the questions they were longing for. Some get to realising and understanding the actual call of GOD in their lives. This is why Brightlights is acknowledged as a means to help with faith, because somehow anybody who goes there, feels the need to do something about their faith when they come home. Why “Unlimited” this year and how was it conveyed throughout the amazing event?

Following the Year Of Mercy celebrated last year in Kraków, Poland, Pope Francis put young people at the centre of the Church. He gave specific instructions about how important they are in and for the Church, therefore they should be involved, listened to and considered in decision making. Indeed during his speech he highlighted: “My dear young people I want you to be the centre of attention”, as he invited them to openness: “build bridges, not walls” and also: “Make your voice heard”.

The title; “Unlimited”, for Brightlights 2017 appeared as an application of these instructions. In fact, “Unlimited” because the younger generation needs to understand that despite all that is going on around them, which somehow tends to block, distract or possibly limit them in their undertakings, a properly rooted faith and spirituality in GOD knows no boundaries about what could be accomplished (1 Timothy 1:8) Fr Michael Dolman and his team, genuinely managed to relate that message throughout the event. About, the moment itself, it was such an experience. Being conducted and entertained by incredible people such as Jim Lynskey, who by explaining and sharing his life experience with his heart condition touched everyone, as well as campaigning for Organ donations. Then Fr Frankie Mulgrew, who just made the audience melt in laughter, after which he exhorted them to think more about what the Soul needs: prayer, confession, time in the presence of GOD rather than just what the body needs. Plus, some great musicians like One Hope Project, who wonderfully led the whole event with songs and praises, and also Guvna B and Feed’em Music Group. Some incredible acting too, like the one who demonstrated that in Christ you have a different view of the world around as if you have changed your pair of glasses. Also, there was RISE Theatre Group who related the life of the late Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, who was killed during Mass in civil war time in San Salvador in 1980. At last, there was this interesting workshop looking to collect ideas from these young adults on how they would want the church to improve and to better itself, and then submitting those to the Pope.

Overall, Brightlights 2017 was a great success. The easy accessibility to adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, the Masses and the constant prayers acted as faith enhancers for many. This is mainly what is believed to be behind the enthusiasm for young people to keep attending and inviting others. Thereby, due to Brightlights: Unlimited 2017 setting a high bar in terms of expectation, Brightlights: Inheritance 2018 will have to do better to outweigh such a success, as all the young goers are actively counting the days until the next year’s event.