2010 Knock Youth Festival opens tomorrow on the theme ‘Walk by Faith’

24 Jun 2010

PRESS RELEASE
24 June 2010

2010 Knock Youth Festival opens tomorrow on the theme Walk by Faith

Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop Christy Jones, Bishop of Elphin will take part in the annual Knock Youth Festival from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June 2010 at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo. The three day festival will be opened by Bishop Jones tomorrow [Friday] afternoon. Over the weekend there will be talks, workshops, prayer, reflection and music. The theme of this year’s festival is Walk by Faith. The festival will run until Sunday 27 June when Archbishop Neary will preside at the closing Mass.

Commenting ahead of the festival Archbishop Neary said “The Knock Youth Faith Festival is a most welcome development of recent years. It is an ideal opportunity for so many young people to come together in a faith context, to meet, to have a positive experience of Church, to pray, to celebrate and to have fun. Young people are the future of the Church and they deserve the best in presenting to them the wonderful treasures of our faith. I look forward to the event every year and am delighted and privileged to have the opportunity to celebrate Mass for the close of the festival of faith.”

One of the speakers at this year’s festival is Sr Helen Prejean, the author of the book Dead Man Walking, who is travelling from the USA to address this year’s festival. Sr Helen has campaigned tirelessly against the death penalty and she will speak at the festival about human rights and the human dignity of all life. Sr Helen will also speak on the issue of environmental ethics. Other speakers at the festival will include: Fr Conall O Cuinn SJ, Dr Andrew O’Connell, Br Shawn O’Connor and Mr Brian McKee.

Looking forward to opening the festival Bishop Jones said “The festival presents young people with the exciting opportunity of gathering with others to reflect on their Christian faith and the significance it has in our life journey. Special liturgies, speakers, music, song and dance will enhance the experience of those present at what promises to be a truly spirit-filled event. We pray that it will help many young people to discover in their lives a lively, loving relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.”

A special web feature on the Knock Youth Festival, including a promotional video, is now available on www.catholicbishops.ie

Notes to Editors

  1. The theme of this year’s festival is Walk by Faith.  In addition, the daily themes of the festival are: Friday 25 June – Walk by Faith; Saturday 26 June – Trusting in God; Sunday 27 June – Hope for the Journey
  2. The full agenda of the Knock Youth Festival is available at www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival/

Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 087 310 4444