Glimpses of the Swindon Youth Convention in 2023.
LONDON
About 600 youth from across the UK are expected to attend the 7th Swindon Youth Convention hosted by the Pilar Fathers of The Goan Chaplaincy Swindon at St Peter’s Church, Swindon, on July 20.
The Youth Convention will focus on the theme ‘Come to Me’, to reflect on the modern aspects of life and issues that trouble and challenge young people, often tired and wearied, not knowing what to do and where to go.
PURPOSE
The Swindon Youth Convention was born as an answer to the raging storms engulfing the young people, especially those of the Goan ancestry – the second or the third generation of Goan immigrants – who seem to be at crossroads of their lives.
“It all started in the year 2018, when a dire need was felt to find a suitable response to different ills and challenges afflicting our youth and help them navigate through this period of storms and stress,” said Fr Mark Furtado, one of the organisers at the event.
“To address the various needs of the young people, the Goan Chaplaincy of Swindon attempted to fill in the void by gathering, motivating and empowering them to encounter Jesus as a soothing, stabilizing factor in their lives.”
“The Goan Chaplaincy Swindon is committed towards the young people. Throughout the year various events, retreats and renewal moments are hosted to fan the flame of faith in these people.”
Six youth conventions have already taken place since then revolving around various themes. Swindon youth Convention (2018), Who are you Lord (2019), Finding Jesus (2020), Do not be afraid (2021), Cast into the Deep (2022) and Arise (2023).
PREPARATION
Several months of meticulous preparations precede this event. The Goan Chaplaincy Youth core team has been meeting weekly for two hours of prayer before the Sacrament, Holy Mass and planning the event.
Macben D’Souza, one of the founder members of the chaplaincy core team, recalls the earlier days of planning and executing this very popular event in Swindon.
He says “it’s not only that we reach out to the hundreds of young people, but personally for me, this has been a platform to share and witness Jesus, and help other youngsters to encounter Jesus.”
Glimpses of the Swindon Youth Convention in 2023.
Freelia De Braganca, another core team member added, “helping people to encounter Jesus gives me a soul satisfaction. The convention is an event to reach out to as many teenagers and youth to witness Jesus, which undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on all the attendees, inspiring them to embark on their respective faith journeys with renewed vigour and determination.”
PROGRAMME
The event will be a day of prayer and thought-provoking talks that deeply resonate with the young people, gospel music and faith-sharing testimonies.
The seventh convention will see a number of motivational and inspirational speakers.
Neville George, a professional in the property law field, has been in the youth ministry since 2013, after he had a personal encounter with Jesus. He primarily ministers to young adults and teenagers.
Fr Dominic Findlay Wilson hails from Salisbury in Wiltshire. He is science student from the University College of Wales and was a businessman along with his brother for 13 years. He studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 2014. He is currently at Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury Church since 2022 and is also the dean for the Glastonbury Deanery.
Juan and Miriam Campos Stayne were raised in a radical Catholic family. Miriam’s parents founded Cor Et Lumen Christi and Juan’s parents were missionaries in Japan; they led Cor Et Lumen Christi’s wildfire young adults ministry. They have travelled and ministered internationally in preaching physical healing and a revelation prophetic ministry.
“The praise and worship will be led by the Chaplaincy Gospel Band which also performed at the World Youth Day in 2023. Members of this band are professional musicians and family people, who are committed to the Goan Chaplaincy and the Music Ministry,” said Fr Furtado.
Glimpses of the Swindon Youth Convention in 2023.
The section called ‘Straight from the heart’ will be hosted by the Goan Chaplain, Fr Lucas Rodrigues, who has gained popularity and generated immense interest with the young people.
It is a section where 5-6 youth of the core team are questioned about their faith, about their challenges, prayer life, fighting temptations and sins, and challenges to Christ. Each one has a unique story to tell and straight from the heart truly comes straight from their hearts; the answers, the experiences, the testimonies are simply awesome.
As the entire event unfolds, the senior members of the Chaplaincy Charismatic Prayer Group members are constantly in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament which is exposed at the start of the convention. Adoration and confession are made available to young people throughout the convention who want to benefit from them.
