The Catholic Union was delighted to sponsor the Northern Catholic Student’s Spring Ball.
Stephen Preston, Ball President writes:
To sing ‘My Song is Love Unknown,’ on St Valentine’s Day, in mass prior to the Northern Catholic Student’s Spring Ball was an interesting choice, and for once Catholic students were occupied on the 14th of February!
200 students, from 18 Universities including York, Durham and Lancaster descended upon York for the greatest evening of their lives – at least so far.
Fr Richard Duffield led the Vigil Mass at the York Oratory, reminding students in his homily against hollow fulfillment through the world, rather to approach God and his church to fully encounter truth, beauty and goodness. Incidentally, visitors to the Oratory were rather surprised to witness an entire church packed with black tie-laden students, with one remarking their relief that black tie was not mandatory for an oratorian mass.
Born from a slightly mad idea, concocted on St Philip’s day, the organiser felt it right that the ball was a truly jolly occasion, so as to justify the memory of St Philip. Hence, our attendees proceeded across the river Ouse in a rather metaphorical journey, to reach the Milner Hotel, a 3 course meal, DJ and dancefloor in addition to Fr Chad Boulton OSB. From the mass to the celebration, the future of Catholic Britain shines brightly as a beacon to both the church of today and yesterday.
Fr Chad echoed St Benedict’s Rule alluding to those, much like his audience, who are searching for the ‘good days’ and to see this life as a door to the next. Only then will we find true fulfilment. Monasticism as having an invisible wife, whilst living with the in-laws, rang true when highlighting the similar volatility of student life.
Apparently, and most unintentionally, a theme arose during the evening of purpose and fulfilment. Stephen Preston asked students to consider what kind of Catholic they intended to be as opposed to what they might become, Fr Chad reminded them to be a powerful witness on campus and Fr Richard urged against ‘placebo fulfilment.’
As the largest, inter-University Catholic student ball, we can only hope that next year is even more successful. However, this will be quite the feat!
