The Annual ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass for all the children who have received the sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Derry during the past year was celebrated in Celtic Park GAA Ground on Thursday, 6 June 2019. This Mass also marks the end of the primary education of these young people, an important milestone in their lives.
Fan the Flame – Let Your Light Shine for all to see!
Around 3,000 young people from Derry City, Counties. Donegal, Derry and Tyrone attended, many wearing T-Shirts they had designed, reflecting the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives and encouraging them to let their light shine.
Long Tower Folk Group led the music and pupils from different schools, assisted in the Liturgy of the Word and the Offertory Procession. Every school brought a banner which formed part of the entrance and recessional procession.
After Communion, the pupils from schools in the Parish of Cappagh, Killyclogher led everyone in the hymn, This Little Light of Mine with actions, supported by members of the Derry Youth Community who had taught many of the children this hymn during their Confirmation Retreats.
Bishop McKeown, in his homily, spoke of how important a stage this was in the lives of the young people. He told them, that filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were to go out confidently and to let their light shine for all to see.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop McKeown and priests of the diocese, assisted by some school children and post primary principals released balloons symbolising the breath of the Holy Spirit living in each one of us.
This is the thirteenth year that the ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass has been celebrated. The event was made possible by the many volunteers of all ages who generously give of their time and talents to ensure that the Mass was an uplifting experience that will remain with the young people for many years.
