'We want the flame of the Holy Spirit to fuel our mission' Southwark CDSC team helps organise 'wonderful' Jubilee event at Pentecost

Archbishop John Wilson and pilgrims. Picture: Archdiocese of Southwark.

Over 3000 Catholics marked the feast of Pentecost with Archbishop John Wilson to celebrate the Year of Jubilee.

Parishes from across south London and Kent, including many families, came together for an event on 7 June in The Friars, Aylesford, Kent, filled with prayer, reflection and celebration.

Inspired by the feast of Pentecost, the day included Eucharistic adoration and the recitation of the rosary, with the sacrament of reconciliation available throughout the day. Archbishop Wilson reminded those present that “the Church is and always must be in a state of Pentecost”.

“We are asking that our hearts be ignited anew by the Holy Spirit. We want the flame of the Holy Spirit to fuel our mission here and now,” he said.

More than 1,000 people of those present had taken part in a course called the Pilgrimage to Pentecost, which culminated in the Jubilee celebration in Aylesford. Liz Corcoran from the Southwark CDSC, who helped organise the course, described the Pilgrimage to Pentecost course as “the beginning of renewal for many individuals” and reflected on a “wonderful” day. 

“God is alive and active in His church. This day was the centrepiece of a spiritual pilgrimage taken by over 1,000 people in homes, prayer groups and parishes across our Archdiocese,” she said.

 “It has been wonderful to see curious people desiring to grow in faith come together since Easter. The jubilation of everyone to be here together was wonderful, and the beginning of renewal for many individuals.” 

The highly-publicised day was organised by the Agency of Evangelisation and Catechesis and the Southwark CDSC with assistance from other teams in the Archdiocese.

The day included activities for children and young people, featuring a Blessed Carlo Acutis exhibition, a children’s rosary and an interactive saints treasure trail. Lucy Treloar, youth mission team coordinator, said it was “uplifting to lead young people in retreat sessions today”, adding: “This celebration has reminded us that the Church is alive.”

Dr Mark Nash, the Director of the Agency of Evangelisation and Catechesis, said: “Big events serve to inspire us as we seek to continue our discipleship of Jesus when we return to our homes and parishes.“