Not an exactly eye-catching title, but as we were inside Echo Arena all day it didn't dampen our spirits. Before we get started on the day an apology for the lack of photos. On our return I will do a separate blog of images of Liverpool and the Congress. You may have had the DVDs of Bishop Robert Barron (not a name you would want to bandy about with so many Nottingham pilgrims wearing Robin Hood hats!) recommended to you . Even more highly recommended we would say is to hear him deliver a talk live. He is the Assistant Bishop of Los Angeles with an easy, informative style of delivery. When talking about the Mass or Holiness, as he did today, he blends theology, anecdotes, learned quotations related to the human condition. It's when you're saying to yourself, 'that's so right' or 'what an insight' you know you're in the presence of a priest who is so wise. (Ask your favourite Aunt to buy a box of his DVDs for Christmas. If she is deceased, treat yourself!)
You couldn't upstage the man but two events in the afternoon stand out. One was the testimonies of three young Catholics who spoke of coming to know Jesus Christ through Youth 2000; very moving. Next an extraordinary presentation from the Rise Theatre group who transported us from 30 AD to 2018 and re-enacted the impact of the Eucharist on our lives today. At the end of the session we re-lived that impact through a beautiful liturgy of adoration and Evening Prayer.
The Beatles have featured in the talks on Friday. Today was no exception. Bishop Barron admitted to being a Beatles fan and he did a very clever analysis on how John Lennon, at moments in his life, came so close to God and wove it into his talk on holiness which had three elements: having a centre point in our lives; sin and light;and 'it's not all about me'. The weather forecast for Liverpool looks very promising for Monday, by which time we'll be gone. Tomorrow is not so promising. We need dry weather for the outdoor procession of the Eucharist.
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