This was a theme running through our Prayer Festival this year... and about 1,000 people responded generously and joyfully as we gave Jesus our worship through Adoration, we gave him our sins and shame in confession and we gave him our hearts and love in Mass. Once again we thank God for all that he gave to to us - for the friends that we made, for the time away from our usual busy lives, but most of all that Jesus gave himself to us, touched us, strengthened us, healed us, loved us. This was evident from the 90 minutes of testimonies at the end of the retreat. Our God truly is an awesome God.

This year's Prayer Festival started with a Marian procession, helping us to become more aware of the holy ground that we tread in Walsingham, connecting us to thousands of pilgrims from around the world who have travelled to Walsingham to pray, and it was a beautiful reminder that Our Lady will help us to come closer to Jesus her Son. It was wonderful to have the witness & input of Bishop Mark Davies and many other faithful priests and religious. Fr. Agustino (one of our key speakers) challenged us to holiness, to give Jesus everything. He quoted St. Francis: "Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally!"

Another speaker, Jo Gilbert, encouraged us that Jesus is not only the final destination - our home and our destiny - He is also the way home and the power to get there. Jesus is the one that we give everything to. He is also the one that has given everything - as He gave us His own life - His own body and blood on the Cross. This is how we are to live - Giving Everything! What a great challenge. The weekend ended with an inspiring talk from Fr. Emmanuel CFR about the hunger in the world for Jesus and we were invited to make a prayerful commitment to take some action in response. There were many other great speakers and workshops. There was also a lot fun with ice-breakers and games and a sports tournament in the rain! Thank you to all who gave so generously to help us to give more of ourselves to Christ.

If you enjoyed Walsingham this year, we hope to see you for the New Year retreat from 29th December to 1st January. What better way is there to start your year, than in the presence of Christ and your Youth 2000 friends? Think of people now that you can invite to come with you! Check the 'Events' page for more information.

Finally, we want to encourage you to every day think about what it means to Give Jesus Everything! What is he asking of you today? Keep close to Him in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession, and find Catholic friends to talk to if you are struggling. Also, remember the secret of the Rosary: Pray one decade a day! This is the most simple way to know what God wants of us and to be able to do it!

Click here to see photos from the event.

Testimonies from Walsingham 2011

Thank you so much Youth 2000! Had an incredible time at Walsingham this year :) I was really inspired by the speakers, the healing service was really beautiful & I found the testimonies very moving and such a testament to how God is working :) God bless xxx - Maria

Walsingham 2011 was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Everything was excellent. Fr Agustino's and Fr Emmanuel's talks were very touching. The healing service was the highlight. I would highly recommend a pilgrimage to Walsingham at least once in a person's lifetime. A huge thank you to the organisers for making the pilgrimage an unforgettable one. Thanks to Our Lady of Walsingham who invited us to her home. - Rohit

Very blessed by the Walsingham 2011 retreat. God gave me the grace to be totally myself with Him this time. The more we take off our masks the more he reaches into the very depths of our heart and shows us who we truly are. Liberating stuff! :-) x - Dominic

Just wanted to say what an absolutely amazing time I had at Y2K. Thanks so much! - Adam

Missing you guys!!! It was great!! I just arrived home a little half hour ago :) Hope to see you all next year again!! - Marijke