Chai Brady
Almost 3,000 young people attended the annual ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass on June 7. The event is for all children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Derry during the past year and was celebrated in Celtic Park GAA Ground.
The Mass also marks the end of their primary education, an important milestone in their lives.
Young people from Derry City, counties Donegal, Derry and Tyrone attended, many wearing t-shirts they had designed, reflecting the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives and the upcoming celebration of the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) in Dublin in August.
The main celebrant was Bishop Donal McKeown, who said the gift of Confirmation tells us a story about who we are, each one made in the image and likeness of God.
He asked if they had big hearts, and if they, like the Holy Spirit, were ready to show it. Bishop McKeown reminded them that Confirmation wasn’t just a day for a party, but a day they are sent out to be people who believe in a God who believes in them.
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.
Jigsaw
To celebrate the WMOF a large jigsaw of the centre piece of the World Meeting of Families Icon was commissioned. Pieces of the jigsaw were carried forward during a post Communion reflection by a parent, pupil, principal, priest, teacher, classroom assistant, caretaker and a lollipop person: representing the diocesan family of schools.
At the end of the Mass Bishop McKeown and priests of the diocese, assisted by some of the school children, released 2,500 balloons symbolising the breath of the Holy Spirit living in each one of us.
This is the 12th year the ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass has been celebrated. The event was made possible by the many volunteers of all ages who generously give of their time and talents to ensure that the Mass is an uplifting experience that will remain with the young attendees for many years.
Over 100 teenage volunteers acted as Youth Ushers at the Mass.