Supporters of the SVP inspired at Festival Mass and Gathering at St Chad’s Cathedral

Over 110 people connected to the SVP Birmingham Central Council attended the recent event (Sat 21st Sept 2024).

The Mass, which was also live streamed for those who could not attend, was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley and concelebrated by Monsignor Daniel McHugh. Deacon David Fairbotham proclaimed the Gospel.

During Mass Archbishop Bernard reminded members of the call of Christ to follow him. He then invited members renew their promise to be a witness of Christ’s boundless love of the poor, the lonely, the suffering and deprived, those without faith and those who feel unloved. 

A light buffet lunch followed, then a talk by guest speaker, Richard Gamble, founder of the iconic Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, currently under construction in Coleshill, Birmingham. Over one million bricks in the Eternal Wall will represent stories of Jesus answering someone’s prayer. Visible from nearly six miles away, close to the motorways and mainline railway the structure will be seen by over 800,000 people a week. The Eternal Wall will be the largest symbol of hope in the world.

Mike Weaver, from the SVP Birmingham Central Council, said: “The entire day was a tremendous success.

“It was very heartening to see so many attending this special occasion. Over 110 people attended. 

“We were all impressed, excited and inspired by Richard’s contribution as he explained the origin of the Eternal Wall project, its evolution and his hopes for the impact it will have nationally and across the world. 

We were all grateful to Archbishop Bernard for his tribute to the endeavours of over 800 SVP members in 80 parishes across the Archdiocese offering almost 25,000 hours of voluntary service annually through befriending, visits and practical support to those in need.”