Over 500 young Catholics from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, supported by the Jesuits in Britain, gathered at Wembley Arena on Saturday 15 March for Flame 2025, the largest Catholic youth event in England and Wales.

Hosted by CYMFed (the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation),  the conference welcomed over 10,800 young people under the theme UNSTOPPABLE – Fan the Flame of Hope, inspired by St Paul’s words: “Fan into a flame the gifts of God” (2 Tim 1:6).

The Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT), the youth ministry agency for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, organised the delegation, which was the third-largest group to the event. KYT works to form, inspire and equip young people, supporting faith development through events, retreats, and leadership formation. Thanks to support from Jesuits in Britain and private donors, the Birmingham group wore matching t-shirts that created a sense of unity and visible presence.

Yemisi Wisoba, Encounter & Evangelisation Youth Ministry Worker for KYT, said:

"Flame 2025 was breath-taking! Our young people are inspired and uplifted knowing they are loved and UNSTOPPABLE as they fan into Flame the gift of God in their lives. I consider it a privilege to accompany young people on their journey of faith. An encounter with Jesus is a gift and being able to bring so many young people and leaders to Flame to experience the Lord was a monumental moment for me. The Kenelm Youth Trust is incredibly proud of all the work our youth leaders are doing for young people in their parish communities across our Diocese. Flame 2027 here we come!"

David Smolira SJ, the Jesuit who helped facilitate the sponsorship of the KYT delegation, said:

"We are pleased that the province was able to support this delegation from Birmingham, who wore sponsored t-shirts symbolising unity and mission. For us, it was more than financial support – it expressed our commitment to accompanying young people, helping them recognise God’s presence in their lives and respond with generosity and joy.”

Reflecting on the day, one young participant shared: “I enjoyed meeting other young people who share the same faith and belief. It was encouraging to see so many young people gathered in worship.”

A special message from Pope Francis, a Jesuit himself, encouraged the Church’s young people to remain united in faith and to live out their vocation with courage and joy. Stories shared during the day reflected the diverse ways faith is lived across cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

The Flame 2025 event was a profound opportunity for young people to deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to living out the Gospel in their lives.