My First Walsingham

Are you thinking of coming to the festival but don't know anyone else who's going? Today we hear from Youth 2000 trustee, Danelia Cardona, about her first Walsingham experience...

My first Walsingham was in 2003. I had recently returned to the Church and was seeking for true love, truth and identity. The festival was advertised at the London prayer group and although I was not sure whether to go or not, especially since I didn't know too many people, I felt a "tug" in my heart - so I took the risk! I booked myself on the coach that the prayer group organised.

The weekend was filled with little miracles. It was a relief to find out it was donation only and that the coach was so reasonably priced for a return journey. I gave what I could! My accommodation and food was sorted and even on the first night I slept in the front of the national director's home, who I didn't know who it was at the time. It was his son the next morning who confirmed that his dad was "the boss of all of Youth 2000".

I was a bit apprehensive by the "evangelical" style of the praise and worship and my heart sank the first morning I walked into the tent: "oh happy clappy" I thought. However, the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed captured me and I was from that moment on more interested in the content than the form. I loved all the talks and felt they nourished me and elightened me. I took a lot from them home and made new friends through the discussion groups. I discovered a new found love for our Mother Mary and enjoyed praying the Rosary with others every morning. The fellowship with other young people certainly enhanced my experience and people who I met there are still friends.

My decision to train as a psychiatrist was born out of that festival after a time in Adoration seeking God's will. I now understand how He wants the best for us and our complete fulfilled. In spite of the challenges of my job I love it and it is a great joy every day to know that I am serving Him through it.

Walsingham was definitely a turning point for me. Although I had had a powerful conversion experience a few months prior to the retreat it was during this retreat that I gave my life to Christ and found that true love, truth and identity that I had been searching for... In a tent, in a field, in Norfolk.