Youth Festival at Medjugorje

The 26th International Youth Festival is currently taking place at Medjugorje. While the Church continues to ponder on the status of the Medjugorje phenomenon, over 50 thousand young people are expected to gather from around the world for a week of: prayer, catechesis, testimonies, adoration and fellowship. This year's theme is 'Peace Be With You'.

The first testimonies of this year's Festival began with Calum and Mary Anne MacFarlane-Barrow sharing the story of Craig Lodge in Scotland. Inspired by Medjugorje they turned their guest house into a retreat centre and lead a Community that shares a common life of prayer, service and evangelisation. This year the Community celebrates its 25th birthday. The MacFarlane-Barrow family have much to say about the life-changing effects of Medjugorje as not only has it brought about Craig Lodge and its ministries it has also inspired the overseas aid charity, Mary's Meals, led by their son, Magnus. This well respected charity is now feeding over 1 million of the world's poorest children a daily meal in school.

Little wonder the small band of Scottish pilgrims amongst the huge crowds in Medjugorje had plenty to cheer about. The Craig Lodge presentation included a performance by singer songwriter, Kate Curran, of her debut single, 'Follow'.

"The year I spent in Craig Lodge Community was the best year of my life. I wrote this song while there and it marks another step on my own journey of faith"

'Follow' is available as a free download via www.craiglodge.org throughout this Festival week

Read more about Medjugorje: www.medjugorje.hr

Craig Lodge Community: www.craiglodge.org E: mail@craiglodge.org

Mary's Meals: www.marysmeals.org

Kate Curran Music: www.facebook.com/katecurranmusic?fref=ts

Calum and Mary Anne MacFarlane-Barrow, Craig Lodge, Medjugorje, The 26th International Youth Festival