Healthcare Professionals: Our Lady Needs You
October 24, 2025
During the weekend of 18-19 October 2025 around 35 young leaders from across the Diocese of East Anglia gathered at Clare Priory for a retreat hosted by Transform Ministries — a weekend that proved to be not only restorative but deeply transformative.
Amid the quiet beauty of Clare, the young people, aged 16 and above, entered into a time of prayer, healing and renewal. The retreat offered space away from the demands of daily life — space to listen, to be still, and to encounter the gentle presence of Christ anew.
From the very first evening, there was a tangible sense of unity and openness. Friendships quickly formed as the group shared meals, laughter and conversation. Talks from Alex of Transform Ministries and Fr Gladson invited reflection on the personal call of discipleship and the reality of God’s love that meets us in our brokenness. The evening concluded with adoration before the Blessed Sacrament — a time of deep silence and encounter that set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday’s programme moved between joyful community and moments of profound interior reflection. Luc Wallace from the Ignite Team led a talk on performance mentality and the freedom that comes from knowing we are loved by God not for what we do, but for who we are. Later, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayer ministry provided a powerful opportunity for healing. For many, this became a turning point — a moment of letting go, of rediscovering peace, and of allowing the Holy Spirit to move deeply within.
Fr Gladson’s evening talk on intimacy with the Lord led naturally into a healing service and adoration, during which many participants described a renewed sense of hope and closeness to Christ. The quiet joy that followed was palpable — a reminder that the work of the Spirit is often gentle, yet utterly life-changing.
Throughout the weekend, moments of laughter and play were woven between the times of prayer. Even the light-hearted games and shared meals became expressions of Christian joy and fellowship. Late on Saturday night, some gathered to pray the Rosary together, while others shared stories and laughter — a beautiful image of the Church alive in youthful community and prayer.
By Sunday morning, although physically tired, the group was spiritually alight. Alex’s final talk focused on mission — how the experience of God’s love naturally sends us out to share it. The closing Mass was filled with gratitude and joy, followed by emotional testimonies from those who had encountered the Lord in new and unexpected ways over the weekend.
As the group parted ways after lunch, there was a strong sense that something lasting had been planted — not just memories of a wonderful retreat, but a renewed commitment to live out the Gospel in everyday life. The young leaders left Clare Priory with hearts burning with love for Christ and a deep desire to bring that love to their parishes, schools, and communities.
The weekend was a witness to the vitality of the Church’s young people and to the quiet yet powerful work of the Holy Spirit in our Diocese. It offered hope — that the future of our Diocese is not only in good hands, but in hearts that are truly alive with faith.
