A bustling Catholic village

Andrew Hutchinson reports from Youth 2000

In August this year, I had the privilege of running a Latin Mass Society stall at the Youth 2000 retreat at Ampleforth. The atmosphere had the feeling of a bustling Catholic village –everywhere you turned, you were met with the presence of our faith.

Priests in their clericals, religious brothers, nuns and laity walking side by side filled the grounds, creating an air of a world set apart from the secular. There was a palpable sense of community, reinforced by the constant rhythm of perpetual adoration, which was a source of solace and strength for those present.

At the Latin Mass Society stall, we had quite a few people stop by, curious about the Latin Mass and the work of the Society. It was heartening to see the level of interest, especially from the younger generation. Many of the young people who struck up a conversation mentioned that the only reason they don’t attend the Latin Mass is because they feel lost, unable to understand what unfolds in front of them.

It was a perfect time for me to place Joseph Shaw's book on the Latin Mass – Sacred and Great – in their hands, recommending it as a wonderful introduction to their learning. One particular highlight was a conversation with a Franciscan friar who mentioned that their friary in Bradford celebrates the Latin Mass regularly. He was delighted to receive copies of the same book, which I hope will be a helpful resource for their community.

Overall, the weekend was a powerful reminder of the richness of our Catholic faith and the deep hunger many have for it. The Latin Mass stall was just one small part of a much larger tapestry of faith on display at Ampleforth that weekend.

As the retreat came to a close, my wife and I reflected on how wonderful it would be to have more opportunities for traditional Catholic families to come together throughout the year; a Catholic festival that blends the richness of tradition with community life. We imagined gatherings where families could attend daily Latin Mass and the

Hutchinson and

August this year

Divine Office, with workshops on the faith, talks on Catholic family life, with opportunities for children to engage in wholesome activities.

There could be a market with vendors displaying Catholic books, vestments, and traditional goods, and perhaps even a space for religious art and music. To have such events to look forward to for traditional Catholics across the country would truly be a blessing. A time of renewal and connection, where families might deepen their faith and build lasting friendships. The sense of shared purpose and the beauty of the traditional liturgy could create a truly unique event, leaving the faithful spiritually enriched and practically fortified for a journey often marred by the confusion and challenges of modern life.