Evangelium Conference 2008
Explaining the Catholic Faith in the Modern World
8th – 10th August 2008, Fawley Court, Henley-on-Thames
The First Evangelium Summer Conference has been an astounding success, with young people describing it as ‘the best weekend of my life’, an ‘answer to prayer’ and an ‘inspiration and encouragement’.
Over the 8th – 10th August over one hundred young people assembled at the Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Fawley Court, for a series of talks, workshops and other activities addressing the crucial evangelistic question of our time – how to reach out and explain the Catholic Faith to people in the modern world.
Speakers at the Conference included Prof. Roy Schoeman, Fr Jerome Bertram CO, Fr Thomas Crean OP, Fr Reto Nay, Fr John Saward, Joanna Bogle and Walter Hooper. Delegates also represented CASE, Aid to the Church in Need, Family Life International, St Anthony Communications, St Patrick’s School of Evangelisation, the Good Counsel Network, the Iona Institute and the Linacre Centre. Although the topics addressed were often serious, there was also much good humour and a great sense of joy. The liturgy and music were organised by past and present seminarians of the Venerable English College in Rome. Many young people especially praised the love and reverence evident in the celebration of Holy Mass.
The Conference was organised by Fr Marcus Holden and Fr Andrew Pinsent of the Evangelium Project, in association with the Catholic Truth Society. As Fr Pinsent describes the approach, "We aimed to provide orthodox Catholic teaching with challenging intellectual depth and liturgical beauty, very much the vision of Pope Benedict XVI. The enthusiastic response of the young people present at the Conference confirms the fruitfulness of this approach and encourages us in planning future projects of this kind."
Many young people left the Conference asking for more. The Evangelium Project is hoping to organise a second Conference in summer 2009.
Other comments from young people present at the Conference:
- The best weekend of my life. It was really an answer to prayer. Before I could say, “Lord, I love you and accept the Church,” now I can say, “Lord I love you and I love your Church.”
- All of our talks, discussions etc. were permeated by prayer. I'm leaving here rejuvenated both in my own faith and feel more equipped in sharing the riches of the Catholic faith. Please hold another conference next year!
- Thank you very, very much - it has been priceless - I would love to come again! God bless you for organising this!
- The high point for me was the way Holy Mass was celebrated. So much love and reverence.
- Very high quality of speakers - fluent, full of interest and humour, and orthodox. A fine mix of people, all from different background but with an implicit unity of approach to their faith. Very encouraging and inspiring.
- It gave me the inspiration and encouragement to challenge myself more, to dive deeper in searching my vocation and courage to be more outward about defending my faith.
