Flame 2025
4 Guild Servers with Cardinal Nichols at Flame 2025
Reflections of an Altar Server
Flame 2025 was quite something! On Saturday the 15th of March four of the Servers of the Hallam Diocese were called upon to serve for the liturgies of Flame 2025. We were blessed with being able to take part in the largest gathering of young Catholics in the UK; an event which will be remembered for a long time!
At the congress, we opened the liturgy with the procession of the CAFOD Icon as well as the Book of Gospels, and in starting as you mean to go on, we heard the scriptures igniting the torch of hope for witnessing faith in our country. In the closing liturgy, we, with the youth of our country, travelled in Eucharistic procession lead by Vincent Cardinal Nichols, to adore the living Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.
The overwhelming sense of reverence towards the Most Holy Eucharist during that final liturgy was moving beyond words. Jesus was present amongst the youth, to nourish us in going forth to our homes, communities, schools, workplaces, and beyond knowing we are unstoppable when we abide in Him alone.
We owe huge thanks to Br. Matthew Janvier O.Carm for his steadfast MC’ing. He ensured we were in the right place at the right time; through his help everything worked out brilliantly!
The experience of serving at such an event, experiencing the backstage of a venue such as the Wembley Arena, but most importantly to witness our faith through service of the Eucharist to so many was incredible. Thank you to all involved and thank you to my fellow serving team and the Guild for answering the call to be unstoppable.
"I can surely say it was a very rewarding and unforgettable experience of altar serving. Not only did we get to meet and serve for the Cardinal, but we got to represent our Diocese and be an encouraging example for other young altar servers who also would've definitely attended FLAME. It was nice to do something different to the ordinary, yet equally important, altar serving in our local parishes. I think its important for all young altar servers to reignite their passion and mission for serving through attending such events and recognising that they can also take part in such incredible events and be so deeply engaged in their parish and Diocese. It's a wonderful and honourable experience to see that we are all recognised and valued in what we do and give for our church."
