Young people from across Ireland are preparing to gather for one of the biggest religious festivals of the summer, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival at Clonmacnois.
Now that the Oxegen music festival has ended, the gathering that has become known as 'Holy Oxegen' is in the final stages of preparation and awaiting the arrival of young pilgrims for the event between August 4-7.
Over the course of the weekend, young pilgrims flock to the famed monastic site and will take part in lively workshops, music sessions and have opportunities for reflection and prayer.
This year's guest speaker is Fr Bernard Murphy, of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
Speaking to the Irish Catholic this week, Patrick Muldoon, one of the organisers of the event, said the Clonmacnois festival stands now as one of the most positive events for young Catholics on the calendar.
''It's great to see the success of events like the Youth 2000 festival,'' he said, ''especially at this time for the Church.''
Celebrating faith
Adding that it is important for young people to be witnesses to their faith, he said: ''It's great to see them celebrating their faith at Clonmacnois.''
The importance of the Youth 2000 festival is also demonstrated by those, like Patrick, working to prepare the festival.
Patrick pointed out that all were young people, and all volunteers who have worked year-long on fundraisers to make the event accessible to all.
Proof of the festival's appeal is also contained in the fact that, since the first festival in 2008, numbers attending have grown year-on-year, with 1,000 pilgrims present for the closing Mass in 2010.
One of the most important elements, Patrick says, will be the building of friendships between young Catholics from different parts of the island as they meet in a shared faith.
''We hope to again provide that sense of belonging,'' Patrick said, ''one that will leave them wanting more when they return to their home parishes.''
Visit www.youth2000.ie for more information on the Clonmacnois Summer Festival. Youth 2000 can be contacted at 01-6753690 or 085-8289231 or 0770-6736677 from Northern Ireland.
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