Scottish Catholic Observer

Stronghold Festival, an arm of Youth 2000 UK, will take place from May 24-27 and will be opened by Bishop Brian McGee of Argyll and the Isles, with Bishop John Keenan of Paisley also set to make an appearance.

The festival gives Catholics aged 16-35 a chance to deepen their Faith through Eucharistic Adoration and fellowship with one another over a weekend of camping.

The name Stronghold comes from 2 Samuel 22:2-3, a fitting title given the organisers’ aims to see young people build upon their ‘stronghold of Faith.’

Young Catholics will have the chance to go hiking and gather in prayer around the campfire. Speakers for the event include Magnus Macfarlane-Barrow, CEO of Mary’s Meals, Maximillian Ford and Fr Antione Coelho of the Holy Spirit House, and author Anthony Gielty.

One of Stronghold’s coordinators, Mairi-Claire McGeady, said the event could help young people who have lost their Faith.

“In Scotland, many of our young Catholics don’t realise the great love that God has for them and have abandoned their Faith and others, who practise, can feel isolated in their parishes that are often void of those their own age,” she said.

“Stronghold Festival is a great opportunity for those on the peripheries to encounter Christ as it is a welcoming and joyful atmosphere with a team of young volunteers who are always eager to make new friends.”

Reflecting on last year’s debut festival, Stronghold director Joseph Black said: “Stronghold Festival was a phenomenal opportunity for the young people of the country to gather and pray. It was a turning point in the Faith journey for many young people.

“I am looking forward to this year’s Stronghold Festival with great excitement as we expand with plans to allow for more young people and an extra day to grow together.”

Tickets to Stronghold Festival cost £50. To book, visit fb.com/strongholdfestival and click ‘Book Now.’