Jesuit works in Britain were prominently represented at the festival, including St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre, Pray As You Go, and Jesuit Young Adult Ministries. These ministries engaged with festivalgoers in the ‘marketplace’ marquee, promoting Ignatian spirituality and providing resources such as the Pray As You Go app — a free audio guide for prayer and scripture reflection designed for use on the move. Many visitors were already familiar with the app and spoke positively about the role it plays in their spiritual lives.
Maria Christian, who works for St Beuno's and helped with the Jesuit stall at WeBelieve, said:
"As the weekend flew by, people passed through our stall, and many were intrigued to discover the other Jesuit works supporting Pray As You Go at the stall. We had conversations with lots of young people who were excited to learn that St Beuno’s offers bursaries to come on retreat – an opportunity to come and experience God’s peace, crucial for those navigating their 20’s and 30’s to discern life’s decisions in Christ’s freedom."
The festival, built with families, young people, and parishes in mind, welcomed over 2,000 attendees and featured music, worship, liturgy, and a broad range of Catholic ministries and creatives. The programme included talks by Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla, Fr Paul Murray OP, and Monsignor Michael Nazir-Ali, as well as performances by The Southwell Consort.
Conversations at the Jesuit stall highlighted opportunities beyond the festival, such as retreats at St Beuno’s supported by bursaries aimed at young adults seeking spiritual peace and guidance, community and formation offered by Jesuit Young Adult Ministries, and theology courses available at the London Jesuit Centre. This presence reflected the Jesuit mission to make spiritual resources accessible and to accompany people of all ages in their journey of faith.
The WeBelieve Festival provided a unique opportunity to introduce Ignatian spirituality to a wider audience and to deepen connections with those already engaged, all within the spirit of hope celebrated throughout the Jubilee Year.
