Sunday, 05 September 2010

With the Papal Visit almost upon us, well over a hundred young people from the diocese met on Sunday 5th September for a preparation afternoon at Guardian Angels parish in Bury led by Lorraine Leonard, Diocesan Youth Ministry Co-ordinator, and Fr Simon Firth, Youth Chaplain.

The afternoon was an introduction for those who will be accompanying the Holy Father at Westminster Cathedral and Hyde Park. The young people have been given special 'golden circle' passes, which means that they will be as close as 10 feet from the Pope when he comes to London.

Lorraine said of the event, "I was really impressed that the young people made a big effort to come here today. They were full of enthusiasm at the prospect of the visit of the Holy Father. We are going to have a wonderful time".

One of the young people, Laura Tierney, of St Monica's in Flixton, thought the afternoon went really well. "I liked the way everyone got on with each other", she said. "I am really excited for the arrival of the Holy Father and looking forward to seeing the Pope close-up. My mum was a volunteer in 1982 and she said that it was such an honour that I too should go too because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

The entire group, of 150 young people, will be leaving the diocese at 2.00am on Saturday 18th September in three coaches from various pick-up points to get the best places in their exclusive position right in front of Westminster cathedral, and then again in Hyde Park, for when the Youth Vigil begins.

See the Gallery for photos of the preparation event.