Catholic Celebration Draws Crowds

In just forty-days time, thousands of young Catholics will gather together in Wembley Arena for a remarkable youth event, which organisers say will be the largest ever gathering of Catholic youth to take place in England and Wales.

The Flame Congress was inspired by the reception given to Pope Benedict on his recent visit, the organising team say they were amazed by the way that thousands of youngsters came together to welcome the Pontiff to the UK.

The six-hour long event will include music, drama, dance and speakers, including TV favourite Fr Christopher Jamison, former Abbot of Worth Abbey, now director of the National Office for Vocations.

Other speakers will include Paschal Uche, the young man from East London who greeted Pope Benedict XVI on the steps of Westminster Cathedral, and former Olympic Ice Skater Sr Catherine Holum from the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal in Leeds.

As well as a time for testimony, organisers have planned a time of Silent Adoration, which will be led by Archbishop Vincent Nichols.

Music will be provided by pop rock band ‘Indecisive’ a four-piece from North London, who started out as a youth group band and went on to become finalists in 2010 national Live and Unsigned competition which saw them perform at the O2 Arena.

Organisers claim to have one or two ‘surprise appearances’ up their sleeves too.

Already 8,000 young people have booked, and Catholics in the North East of England have even hired a train to shuttle them to Wembley. The ‘Flame Train’ which has been chartered by Hexham and Newcastle Diocese, is fully booked up.

The Flame Congress will be held at Wembley Arena on March 24th, organisers hope to pack out the 11,000 capacity venue.