Young people from Antrim, Galway and Longford joined teenagers from across the Diocese of Meath at the National Parish Youth Conference in Tullamore on Saturday 25 February.
The event brought young Catholics together to look at how they can put their faith into practice and support other teenagers for whom faith is important.
Midlands 103 radio presenter Will Faulkner facilitated the Conference with a variety of speakers, mostly giving testimonies to their faith. They shared examples of how faith can make community life stronger and individual’s lives more fulfilled. Among the speakers present were Bishop Kieran O’Reilly from Killaloe, “Irish Catholic” columnist Andrew O’Connell and Nicola Marshall from London. A variety of bands entertained the young crowd throughout the day, including “Ruaille Buaille” and “Shalom”.
Speaking after the event, Conference organiser Ciara Molloy said:
“The conference gave an opportunity to young people to discuss and share their experiences of faith in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The day was packed with topical discussions, interesting talks and open forums. I think that everyone was inspired by what they heard and gave voice to their opinions. What we need most in our world are enthusiastic young people who are willing to work together for a better future. The unique aspect of this conference is that it is our friendship with Jesus Christ that brought us together.”
Congratulating the Tullamore Junior Parish Pastoral Committee on this initiative Bishop Michael Smith said: “I have met with the Junior Parish Pastoral Committee many times and I am delighted that the National Youth Conference went very well.”
A flickr album from the gathering is available here
