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Young people from schools and parishes across our diocese travelled to Wembley on Saturday for the bi-annual Flame congress, organised by CYMFed.

‍550 people from Arundel & Brighton joined Bishop Richard and members of clergy at the all day event, enjoying a packed programme of fantastic music from One Hope Project (who wrote our "Invited" digital mission theme song), Adeniké, and Guvna B, and thought provoking speakers including: Christian British adventurer and author Bear Grylls; Brother Chris Patiño, a De La Salle Christian Brothers from America; Bryan Enriquez from digital Prayer App Hallow, and disability advocate, Isaac Harvey MBE.

There were frequent opportunities for prayer and reflection during the day, with the work and mission of Catholic charities The St Vincent De Paul Society (SVP) and CAFOD platformed and explored. CAFOD partner, Brian Maebafrom the Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Kenya, highlighted the impact of the global debt crisis on some of the world's most vulnerable communities and explained the importance of CAFOD's rural projects in the region, with a short film - exploring the vital work of the charity - focussing on the importance of youth unemployment initiatives that tackle the climate crisis.

Speaking after the event, diocesan Youth Advisor Lizzie Wakeling said,

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"It was a real joy to be at Flame with such a huge contingent of our Diocesan family. To see our young people praising the Lord in song, listening attentively to the inspiring speakers, and praying earnestly during adoration was truly glorious.

"I have heard from many young people that they really felt the presence of God during the day, so I would like to extend a huge thanks to all the leaders who made it possible for so many young people to attend, and I invite people to pray for the young people of the Diocese, that they may come to know who they are in Christ, and grow to become truly missionary disciples."

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