From 23rd to 30th October 2011 the Salesians of Don Bosco were entrusted with the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation (CYMFed) National Youth Symbol.

The symbol-rich artwork of the Candle Stand tells the story of God's infinite love. Designed by Xavier Javier, a young creative artist from the Hexham and Newcastle Youth Ministry Team, it has been adopted as the National Symbol for Catholic Youth Ministry in England and Wales, and was blessed by Pope Benedict during his visit to the UK last year.The four sides of the Candle Stand.

The symbol is 'on tour' around the Dioceses but as members of CYMFed the Salesians asked for the Symbol for our Province. It was seen as an opportunity to celebrate all that we are doing for Youth Ministry in the UK. During the week the Symbol went to St Anne's Chertsey, the Parish Priests' meeting at Hothorpe Hall and St James's Parish Bootle. As well as having the Symbol at these places the youth ministry teams took advantage of the celebration and placed 7 stalls at the two parishes after Mass to promote the work of Salesians in the UK. Sue McDonald, Salesian Youth Animator, said that it was an uplifting experience as an introduction to her new job as it effectively illustrated the variety of projects we are engaged in.

At the Parish Priests' meeting evening prayer was held around the Symbol where our prayers were offered for all our ministry and especially for young people. It also provided a useful tool for reflection on how Don Bosco led his priests in the running of Salesian Parishes.

In Bootle the young people had been using the Symbol as Catechesis for several weeks and a lot of work was done in preparation for the Mass.

All in all the week was very successful and informative for parishioners and Fr Martin Coyle, Sue and the Youth Ministry Team members were delighted with the whole experience.

Thanks to Sue McDonald for the report and image