On Saturday July 2 a number of the young adults going on the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Madrid gathered at the Diocesan Youth Centre (Our Lady of the Assumption, Briton Ferry) with Bishop Tom and Fr.Ceirion (Youth Director), to be officially “sent” as pilgrims of the Diocese to Madrid. The Mass was simple and moving, and made all the more special thanks to a number of the Folk Group from Neath coming with guitars, keyboards and other instruments. Those present were reminded by Bishop Tom that they were being sent not only as Pilgrims, but also in a way as missionaries as well, to take one experience of Church with them but also to bring something back for those who remain at home, a different experience of a truly “universal” Church.

At the end of the Mass a “pilgrim scroll” was handed out to all those leaving for Madrid. It read:

Responding to the call of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI,
I send you as a pilgrim of the Diocese of Menevia
to the city and church of Madrid,
on a journey of fellowship and faith,
To celebrate with His Holiness, and with those gathered
from all corners of the world,
the joyful mystery of being God’s people,
and become ever more faithful witnesses in your daily lives of his saving love.

The evening concluded with a sumptuous feast (!) in the Hall, thanks to the generosity of everyone who had brought more than enough food to share – proving once again that the logic of the parable of the loaves and fishes holds true! Everyone left physically and spiritually nourished, and eagerly looking forward to continuing what will no doubt be an intense but unforgettable experience of friendship and faith. Roll on Madrid 2011!!