Over National Youth Sunday weekend nominees from previous ‘Celebrating Young People Awards’ and the ‘Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award’ gathered online for an evening of celebration, formation and networking. The event was powered by Million Minutes in partnership with the Columbans UK. Special Guest speakers included Leila Bousbaa from The Coalition for Global Prosperity, and Million Minutes’ Trustee Anna Fraine, from The Catholic Bishops Conference.
The conversation brought together young people aged 16-25 years, celebrating their achievements and commitment to social action. The young nominees included hospital volunteers, eco-champions, volunteer community youth workers, among others.
Kate Eastmond, Engagement Officer at Million Minutes said: “It’s been great to work with these amazing changemakers. Over the course of lockdown young adults have joined us each week to explore issues such as mental wellbeing and the Black Lives Matter movement. Our conversation last week was an opportunity to reunite again and invite in our newest Blessed Pier recipients and deepen our exploration of these issues. I have no doubt that these are the leaders of tomorrow – both in the Church and beyond, and it is wonderful that they are all so inspired by Catholic Social Teaching.”
James Trewby, the Columban's Justice and Peace Education Worker, who has been accompanying the group since co-leading the retreat for Celebrating Young People alumni in 2019 says, "It is such a privilege to join the zoom calls with these wonderful young people - seeing them grow individually and as a community, to hear their passions and concerns. They are signs of hope in the church - the Holy Spirit is alive and well!"
Leah James, a recent recipient of the Blessed Pier Award added: “I came into the virtual meeting very skeptical and weary as it had seemed that everyone knew each other, and I wasn't even sure what we would be talking about. However, I was immediately welcomed by Kate, James, and Daisy who made me feel excited about the conversations which we would be having later. We started by editing a prayer from Pope Francis to make it more meaningful and personal to us which I enjoyed as it truly gave an idea to what I could look forward to. Hearing Leila talk about her journey to her career was so inspirational I was astonished by her commitment to what she loves and the challenges she faced. As a student still in school it allowed me to truly think about what I would like to put forward into the world and how I can make a difference. By this time, I had felt so comfortable with the other alumni it was as if I had known them for a very long time.”
The group will continue to grow as we enter 2021, with plans in place to return to the conversations in the New Year.
To nominate a young person for a Blessed Pier Giorgio Award, in recognition of commitment to their local community during the pandemic, visit millionminutes.org/local-awards.
All awardees are invited into our Alumni network.