the Rimini Meeting

The Rimini Meeting is an extraordinary event. It is thought that this year almost one million people will attend the six day gathering. It is difficult to convey in words the breadth and beauty of the gathering.

I am most struck by the number of young people. Certainly most are young, like in their twenties and thirties. It is clear too that here they have found something that in some way answers the questions of their hearts.

And this is a Catholic gathering: a community of Faith and friends. Yesterday I was quite overwhelmed to wait with 6000 others who made sure (like me) that we got to our seats half an hour early to ensure a place. These were young people waiting to hear Cardinal Angelo Scola speak. He had us captivated for one and a half hours.

The Cardinal spoke on 'desire, the church, and post-modernity'. His address was direct, robust and inspiring.

THroughout each day there are a series of conferences happening in one of the several auditoria (the picture above is only one of the several gathering spaces).

In other parts of the buildings there are exhibits and displays. All of this arranged and presented through the eyes of Catholic faith.

THe Rimini meeting is a gathering of friendship organised by the Catholic movement Communion & Liberation.