Birmingham: Archbishop Longley opens new youth centre

Archbishop Longley with volunteers on steps of Soli

Archbishop Bernard Longley has officially opened the new Catholic teenage retreat centre, Soli, in Alton in Staffordshire with an outdoor service of blessing, attended by the staff of Soli, local school pupils, supporters and benefactors as well as members of the construction team who have refurbished the building.

The new centre started taking guests just over eighteen months ago and offers purpose built facilities for groups of up to forty in an imposing stone building - formerly the Lord Shrewsbury pub. At the start of the service, amid splendid sunshine, Archbishop Longley invited the current team of young volunteers who help run Soli to come forward to stand in front of the congregation in recognition of their contribution to the life of Soli. Bishop David McGough assisted in the service and Soli staff led the congregation in singing.

Remarking on the original "LS" lettering engraved on the entrance to Soli, Archbishop Longley said the letters ought now to bring to mind the Papal environmental encyclical, Laudato Sii - "praise be to you" - recalling the prayer of St Francis of Assisi thanking God for the beauty of creation - apt, he said, amid the wonderful natural surroundings of the Churnet Valley.

The new facility has replaced the Catholic youth retreat centre, Soli House, in Stratford-upon-Avon which offered Catholic youth retreats for more than sixty years. The Lord Shrewsbury has been redesigned to incorporate a spacious dining room, contemporary and reflective discussion spaces, informal communal areas, and en-suite bedrooms throughout. A peaceful Chapel has been carved out of the loft space.

The mission of Soli is to provide life changing opportunities for young people, helping them to reflect upon their life of faith. The team consists of a community of young adults and permanent staff, who are dedicated not only to helping young people but also to growing together in a community of faith and prayer. The young visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands and the Churnet Valley - whether cycling through Dimmingsdale, walking the Croxden Abbey pilgrimage or through a number of other outdoor activities.

Soli is located just down the hill from Alton Castle, which for twenty years has been offering retreats to children from the age range of 9 - 13 years in a magnificent Grade 11 listed Pugin designed gothic castle which overlooks the beautiful Churnet valley - with the added bonus of being next door to the Alton Towers theme park !

Fore more information see: www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk