Newman's "Second Spring" sermon...

...was preached at Oscott, the seminary on the outskirts of Birmingham. And now a new generation gathers here, young people camping in tents on the wide lawns and packing into Pugin's glorious chapel for Morning and Evening Prayer and for Mass. This in InVocation, a festival which draws together members of religious orders from all over England, together with crowds of young people, keen to explore what the future might hold for them. Last night there was a superb talk by Canon Luiz Ruscillo, drawing on St John's Gospel, and the miraculous catch of fish, and Christ on the shore...today, an inspirational address from a young Sister - former Olympic speed-skating star - from the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. This afternoon I walked over to Maryvale, where I am writing this. But I plan to be back to take part in the Candlelit Procession around the beautiful grounds of Oscott this evening. Like last year, the InVocation weekend has been gently drenched in rain. But no one seems to mind, and as there is a large marquee for all the talks, with other adjoining marquees complete with armchairs and coffee-tables for chats, it's all extremely pleasant and comfortable. There is a terrific atmosphere - lots and lots of young people, talk and laughter over delicious meals. In chapel, the deep roar of young men's voices leading the Offices. This afternoon, as I left for Maryvale, a priest wasinviting anyone who wanted to meet by the big statue of Our Lady to say the Rosary...