Norwich: Light-filled youth celebration of Epiphany

Epiphany fireworks

There was a light-filled celebration of Epiphany near Norwich on Sunday evening (January 8) when a record 200 young people and their families from across the Diocese of East Anglia enjoyed a candlelit Mass, bonfire, hot dogs and a firework display.

The now annual Epiphany Youth Mass, took place at the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Poringland near Norwich, organised by the Ignite team and Director of Youth Services Hamish MacQueen with attendees from as far afield as Peterborough, Cambridge, Clare, Walsingham, Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Felixstowe.

An overflowing church heard Bishop Alan Hopes lead the Mass, which included a chance for participants to light a candle and donate a present to be given to children who are refugees in the UK via the Red Cross.

The feast of Epiphany celebrates the occasion when the wise men visited the baby Jesus and his birth was first shared with the world.

Bishop Alan said: "The destiny of everyone is symbolised in the journey of the Magi from the east. Our life is a journey to discover the fullness of truth and love which are to be found in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

"Each of the candles you have lit today represents the light in each of your lives."

Everyone then went outside to enjoy hot dogs, a bonfire and a firework display in the garden of the Bishop's White House.

Hamish said: "It is the best response we have ever had with well over 200 people attending. It was a wonderful occasion and it gets bigger and bigger every year. The fireworks are symbolic of the wise men looking for the star in the sky."

Watch a video of the celebrations here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgoEyF7Nam8