CATHOLIC youth workers in Knock are preparing for an expected 1,000 young Catholics to descend on Ireland’s Marian Shrine for a four-day Oxygen-style camping festival this summer.

Theological talks with top Catholic thinkers, prayer workshops, candlelit processions and healing ceremonies will fill out the bill instead of the chart-topping music acts which will headline other Irish youth festivals this summer.

Organiser of the faith festival, Ms. Ann Lee, director of the Youth Ministry, Knock, is hoping in excess of 1,000 young Catholics between 18 and 35, the future of the church, will come together for a ‘powerful experience’ and return home to pass ‘the torch of faith among their peers’.

One of Ireland’s leading young songwriters and music producers, and a devout Catholic, You’re a Star guru Ronan Johnson is lending his support the festival.

He will be speaking about the influence of religion and faith in his life at the festival opening on July 24.

According to Ms. Lee, young people in Ireland desperately need to tune out of the crazy ‘noise’ of modern life, which constantly surrounds them and distracts their attention from what is really important.

This is why the festival has been themed ‘Living Life to the Full?’

“Our lives can be so swamped with the noise and pace of modern life,” she explained. “It’s difficult to find time and space to tune out of our iPods, mobile phones, computer or whatever, and just tune into ourselves. 

“This festival is about helping people get back in touch with what is really important in life. Are they happy? Or are their lives full to the point of bursting but really just empty at the heart of it.

Leading theologian, Fr. Michael Paul Gallagher SJ, will provide a workshop about peoples’ deepest desires and their fulfilment, faith and unbelief, culture and spirituality.

Catholic band Elation are also set to perform.

The youth festival event has been a growing success since it was first held in 2002 but this is the first time the Youth Ministry in Knock have organised the festival independently.

“We are providing a programme that enables young people to realise their desires and needs and to facilitate a powerful encounter with Christ in that place,” continued Ms. Lee.

“We want to empower and direct the young people to return home in groups and to become active in passing on the torch of faith among their peers.”

The Bishops of Ireland are also working with Knock Youth Ministry this year in an attempt to support, nurture and embrace the youth of their dioceses.

For more information on the festival, go to www.knock-shrine.ie/youthminist ryor call Youth Ministry on (094) 93 88100/(087) 6927850 or (094) 9375035.