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The Caritas in East Anglia Festival brought together individuals and organisations dedicated to social outreach on 8 February 2025 at Holy Family Church, King’s Lynn.
The event commenced with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins, setting a spiritual tone for a morning dedicated to hope, service, and collaboration.
In his homily, Bishop Peter spoke of the transformative power of charity, stating that the stirrings of charity exist in every human heart and that God’s love was woven through the work of every organisation present. He urged those gathered to recognise the human stories behind acts of service, concluding with a heartfelt plea: “There is a human face behind every story. Grant us a listening ear so that no one is left in despair. Let us work with each other, for each other.”
The festival, which aligned with the Jubilee theme of Pilgrims of Hope, was a beacon of ecumenical welcome, fostering connections among a wide array of faith-based and charitable organisations. Held on the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, the event also provided a platform for the East Anglia group against modern slavery, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to justice and dignity for all.
A highlight of the day was the presence of young people, including the Mini Vinnies from St Martha’s Primary School, who embodied the spirit of Christian service and brought a youthful energy to the gathering.
The festival featured representatives from numerous organisations engaged in crucial social action, including:
- King’s Lynn Foodbank
- CAP Centre
- Purfleet Trust
- North Lynn Food Hub
- King’s Lynn Night Shelter
- Companions in Bereavement
- Beacon Church
- Imagine Norfolk
- CAFOD
- SVP
- Mini-Vinnies
- Stella Maris
- The Catenians
- A representative from the Diocesan link with Cambodia
Each group showcased the impact of their work, from providing food and shelter to supporting the bereaved and tackling modern slavery. Over refreshments in the church hall, attendees had the opportunity to engage with these organisations, fostering dialogue and inspiring new avenues for involvement in charitable work.
The Caritas Festival in East Anglia served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the shared mission of bringing hope to those in need. By gathering under one roof in faith and service, those present reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the common good, ensuring that no one in society is left without support or hope.
