Bright Lights
This year our team had the privilege of going to Bright Lights, the annual Catholic festival, open to all people and those of all ages. It was the first time that most of us had been to the event.  We were joined by Ming Jong, our newest volunteer who had only been in the country for two days. There were many highlights to the event and felt glad that I not only grew in spirit, but also learnt a lot about myself.

Like all such events there was a theme, this year being, “Born To Be”. From the onset we were, for lack of a better word, “wowed” by the musical talents of Neil Hughes, who after giving a very good talk on the theme, proceeded to give a very good rendition of 80s music. This was in the form of “Hold My Hand Very Tightly”, which to my knowledge has graced the pages of the internet (Facebook/YouTube). Also included was wind-infused Ska music, the delights of guitar, keyboard and voice from Matt Maher, Crossbeam and YFriday. All of this created a warm, friendly atmosphere which all enjoyed and gave everybody a chance to experience musical worship away from traditional church music and hymns.

As members of SPECeast some of us lead small groups and I was put in charge of those under eighteen. This was a task I relished since I was able to engage my peers in discussion about what they felt and how they approached God. Most of the discussions happened after talks from guest speakers, and they were fun to not only lead but also to participate in.

Personally, the guest talks at the event were the highlights, especially those by Norman Kember, Abbot Christopher Jamison, Sr Judith Russi and Fr Vladimir Feltzman. Norman Kember’s talk was very inspiring, especially to the aforementioned under eighteens. It proved that in the toughest situations, faith and simple prayer can be your guiding light and saviour.

Abbot Christopher’s talk was very powerful, philosophical and got many thinking. His idea was very simple in that one should take just five to ten minutes from their daily routine and just clear their minds in complete silence. This was different, as it was not even meditation or reflection, but just a period of inner peace, calm and silence.

Sr Judith’s talk was probably the best. She took the message of “Born To Be” to another level of thinking, looking at what we as humans are in today’s world and our purpose for living. Fr Vlad then held open-discussions at the end of every day to discuss any topic that came to mind. It was great of him to share his limitless wisom to a thirty crowd. Bright Lights is a great event for anyone who would like to express their views openly, ask for guidance or just enjoy music, worship, drama and life with other believers. Roll on next year!     

-Anthony Bukachi-