Young Catholics from across London...

...gathered in good numbers to spend a day reflecting on St John Paul the Great's message about the complementarity of the sexes and the collaboration of men and women in the Church and in the world, on Saturday at St Mary of the Angels church at Notting Hill, welcomed by the parish priest Mgr Keith Barltrop.  Full marks to Sarah de Nordwall for organising and chairing this event - and doing so with much sparkle and enthusiasm. Father Hugh Mackenzie got us thinking about the deeper philosophical aspects of the subject, Dr Jenny Lochner spoke about discovering what "theology of the body" really meant,   Auntie spoke about St John Paul and his message, with reference to his "Letter to Women" and so on. There was  time for reflection and prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction -  and for this it was a joy to gather in the splendid church which I had never visited before, although I've been a Londoner for most of my life.  The talks and discussions took place in the parish room, originally designed for the small community established by Father - later Cardinal - Manning when the parish was first established. There was a good lunch with crusty French bread and salads and cheeses and delicious cakes. There was a great atmosphere of trust and freedom in the discussions. All in all a very good day...