Colm Fitzpatrick
Derry’s Bishop Donal McKeown with children The Annual ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass for all children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Derry during the past year was celebrated in Celtic Park GAA Ground earlier this month. The Mass also marked the end of their primary education.
Around 3,000 young people from Donegal, Derry and Tyrone attended, many wearing T-Shirts they had designed, reflecting the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives and encouraging them to let their light shine.
Long Tower Folk Group led the music and pupils from different schools assisted in the Liturgy of the Word and the Offertory Procession. Every school brought a banner which formed part of the entrance and recessional procession.
After Communion, the pupils from schools in the parish of Cappagh, Killyclogher led everyone in the hymn, ‘This Little Light of Mine’, supported by members of the Derry Youth Community who had taught many of the children this hymn during their confirmation retreats.
Balloons
Derry’s Bishop Donal McKeown, in his homily, spoke of how important a stage this was in the lives of the young people. He told them, that filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were to go out confidently and to let their light shine for all to see.
At the end of the Mass Bishop McKeown and priests of the diocese, assisted by some school children and post primary principals, released balloons symbolising the breath of the Holy Spirit living in each one of us.
This is the 13th year that the ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass has been celebrated. The event was made possible by the many volunteers of all ages who gave their time and talents to ensure that the Mass was an uplifting experience that will remain with the young people for many years.