Alison Dunne, Michelle Ross and I were delighted to board the Flame train to Wembley on Saturday 15 March to join nearly 1,000 young people from our Diocese at Flame 2025, aptly named ‘Unstoppable’, linking it to the jubilee theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Along with Bishop Stephen and other clergy, including Fr Shaun Purdy, we left Newcastle Central Station at 6.00am.
The train was full of excited young people from our Diocese, except in Coach C, which was full of Newcastle United fans delighted to be on their way to the final of the Carabao Cup being played the next day. The enthusiasm and joy on the train transported us swiftly to Kings Cross where a team of Catenians deftly guided us through a sea of black and white football shirts to the tube station.
The atmosphere in the arena nearly matched that of Wembley Stadium the next day. At 12.00pm the event started with a reverent opening prayer and liturgy which was followed by Guvna B, Adenike Adewale and One Hope Project. Bear Grylls, interviewed by David Wells inspired those present with the story of his faith journey.
The afternoon continued with singing and dancing as well as key notes from Brother Chris Patino, Isaac Harvey MBE, and Nathan, Raihan, Tommy and Jasmine, who delivered a very thought-provoking address on behalf of the SVP Society.
After a short break, the day ended with a final liturgy where Cardinal Vincent Nichols led us all in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
It was wonderful for us to be part of, and it was incredible to think that our Diocese formed one tenth of the audience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank school and Catholic Education Trust staff, parishioners and clergy who enabled so many of our young people to access such a thought provoking and spiritual day.
Thank you to Mary Hughes and the Youth Ministry Team for organising it so successfully. And a final thanks to our young people for attending in great spirits and making us all feel so privileged to be with you. You really were ‘Unstoppable’!
The Diocesan Department for Education can be contacted by email: education@diocesehn.org.uk or phone: 0191 243 3313.
You can also read an article by The Catholic Herald on Flame 2025, where they reference our Diocese having the largest contingent of almost 1,000 young people, clergy, teachers and parishioners in attendance. Read it here.
