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The symbol-rich artwork of the Candle Stand tells the story of God’s infinite love. This stand was designed by a young person and has been adopted as the National Symbol for Catholic Youth Ministry in England and Wales, and was blessed by Pope Benedict during his visit to the UK in 2010. Guildford Youth Ministry (GYM) had the pleasure of hosting this national symbol for one evening. |
| Four of our young people from GYM were among the thousands of young people from across England and Wales that were representing parishes, schools and organisations. They witnessed Pope Benedict blessing this symbol on the steps of Westminster Cathedral before he addressed us personally. And experienced a beautifully spiritual time of adoration with the Pope in Hyde Park that evening same evening.These 4 young people started off our prayer vigil. |
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Each side of the candle represents a catechesis in miniature. During the evening we reflected on each side with different forms of prayer and expression. The first side symbolised incarnation, inspired by the passage Luke 1:35. The young people put together a video highlighting the words that stood out to them from the passage. |
| The second side symbolised salvation, inspired by the passage John 14:16-18. The young people put together a dance to accompany the song "You'll Come" by Brooke Fraser. |  |
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The third side symbolised the great commission, inspired by the passage Matthew 28:18-20. The young people put together a play depicting how Jesus' message that he will be with us always, "until the end of the age" is fulfilled in our baptism and confirmation. |
| Receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit at our Confirmation is a commissioning to spread the Gospel message to the ends of the earth, something that is rooted in Scripture and tradition of the Church. All our newly confirmed were invited to light a candle from the flame of this National Symbol for Youth Ministry and pass on their light to others throughout the Church. |  |
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The young people then started our time of adoration by explaining to us that in the Eucharist Jesus is truly with us till the end of the age and that someone who really adores God kneels down before him. This symbolises the difference between man and God, for he is great, and we are little. Man is never greater than when he freely and devoutly kneels before God. Fr Aaron then revealed the Blessed Sacrament to us. |
| Mother Teresa of Calcutta said "The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth." Our young people led us in a time of quiet reflection before the Blessed Sacrament asking us to pray for all the newly confirmed; our youth ministry in Guildford; all young people through out the world who do not experience an active youth ministry in their Churches; for families & youth leadership in England & Wales. |  |
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The fourth symbol focused on youth ministry, inspired by the scripture John 20:21. Some of our young people gave us a personal testimony about how their faith has been affected by the youth ministry in Guildford. Then Fr Aaron invited all the young who will be going to World Youth Day in Madrid this August to the front. We all prayed for them. |
After the Vigil the young people served refreshments downstairs in the hall. All together it was an amazing evening; prayerful, reflective, creative and memorable. Below are some of young people that helped put the whole thing together. |
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