Run to The Son 2019
"Welcome to The Run to the Son web page. We will be gathering for a weekend of Prayer and inspiration for mission on 21st-23rd June 2019, deepening our connection with Jesus, the Son of God, and with each other. We have the privilege and duty of passing on the inestimable treasure of our faith to those around us. My hope and prayer is that we will be empowered by this weekend to joyfully and enthusiastically reach out to others and evangelise."
Bishop Mark O'Toole
‘I have come to set the earth on fire'; Luke 12:v49
We are delighted to announce details of our 3rd annual Run to the Son weekend organised to prepare us in the tradition of the original disciples to take our part in the mission of the church.
The theme this year is taken from Luke 12:49 “I have come to set the earth on fire” and in that vein we will be
Listening; to a fantastic testimony of transformation from Anthony Gielty one of Scotland’s most notorious criminals who has now given his life to evangelising and teaching others about repentance.
Exploring; together how the Lord wants to use each of us to “set the world on fire” What does that mean to us? Where do we start? Are we ready?
Praying; for the great power of the Holy Spirit to fall on us, to set the fire in our hearts and the words on our lips.
Enjoying; arguably the best most beautiful setting anywhere (we are a little biased but Buckfast Abbey is awesome on every level!). Wonderful music, delicious food and fellowship but most importantly of all we will leave the weekend with a newly found fire within to serve Jesus in His explicit co-mission “Go and Make Disciples” 
Addressing: ARE WE ON FIRE TO LIGHT NEW FIRES FOR JESUS?
The 2018 Run to the Son festival for mission was a great success and we have had some amazing testimonies from many of the pilgrims who came. The weather was wonderful, the food fab, the setting stunning, it was a lot of fun but, that is not what we mean by "great testimonies". As Fr Jon Bielawski, vicariate for evangelisation, catechesis and schools in the diocese says, "there is a lot of talk about the need for evangelisation and that’s good, but we wanted to create something which will actually give people what they need to go out and do it". The accounts we have had back testify to the immediate efforts people made to begin evangelising, and their joy at being free to reach out to others with the everlasting love and hope that Jesus promises. Below is an article that was written as reflection of the event last year.
Run to The Son – Evangelisation in Action
For the second consecutive year beautiful Abbey grounds in Devon were the setting for an inspired gathering where enthusiastic souls drew to drink from a fount of grace: all eager to grow in the "art of discipleship" and to praise and worship the One who Is.
As is often the way, after a Spirit-filled weekend, the impact of such an event (in this case Run to the Son held at Buckfast Abbey, 22-24 June, 2018) often shows itself in the days that follow. I am happy to report that this recent evangelisation event with it’s many unique features was no different. Some wonderful effects emerged within the first week brought about as a direct result of the inspirational content for which we have to thank a dedicated team who thought of our every need. We benefitted from an outstanding setting and a well thought through programme which balanced prayer, teaching, Rosary and Sacraments with time for socialising and quiet reflection.
Pilgrims made their way from Dorset, Devon and Cornwall to the stunningly beautiful Abbey grounds (complete with Millennium and physic gardens which were oases of peace, colour and art) - as well as one attendee making the huge effort of driving from London (it took ten hours - scenic route) and two others journeying from Southampton (three trains and a bus ride!). During the weekend, we also attracted a couple from Ireland who were at the Abbey for other reasons and who told us that they would look out for 'Run to the Son 2019'!
Key note speaker - Anthony Gielty. Author of: 'Out of darkness'. The transformation of one of Scotland’s most violent prisoners.
For further details call St Peter’s Parish, Crownhill, Plymouth on: 01752 701660
Quotes From Previous Years Event
“ it really was a special weekend for me in terms of how it deepened my faith and it was a great joy to meet so many other like-minded Christians.”
“The meals were not only an occasion of fellowship but truly enjoyable food - the Grange was a lovely background for the Friday buffet meal and the Saturday night Barbecue and the staff were so friendly and welcoming - it was a great pleasure to be there. We made a lot of new friends too and it was interesting to hear their faith stories”
“The most important message that I personally took away was: Don’t wait for a situation to arise to evangelise, pray for the opportunity each day and actively encourage faith conversations”
“ I am so excited to GO FORTH IN MISSION!”
“I realised that it is fear of varying kinds that is the obstacle and that prayer is important to overcome that fear and not let it become a stumbling block in God’s service. The workshops were really helpful in understanding this and knowing that others struggle with it too “
“For the first time someone explained “How to”
“Invaluable in developing discipleship skills”
“the opportunity to spend Saturday night in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament gave such peace and contentment to our souls and for me personally, has brought about an inner peace”.
“The Blessed Sacrament procession at midnight was the pinnacle - it was just like following Jesus in the crowds when he walked this earth, deeply profound “
“the Service of the Anointing of Joy at the top of the hill was beautiful”
“The weekend also served to reinvigorate our own faith in God and the power of Jesus' name”.
“We brought our two children with us and the setting was excellent for them to make them feel like at home.”
“Good people, good food, well organised event”
“The perfect venue to learn the art of making disciples!”
