Filming the Sunday Solemn Mass in Extraordinary Form<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBeyond the work itself, one of the greatest joys of the festival was reconnecting with friends whom I had not seen for a very long time. I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet them again, especially because none of our reunions had been planned in advance. It truly felt like an act of God’s providence that we happened to cross paths once more. Our conversations, shared memories, and moments of fellowship unfolded naturally, as though God had quietly arranged our meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The WeBelieve Festival was not only an opportunity to document an important Catholic gathering but also a reminder of the beauty of the Church as a family united in faith. Through the people I met, the stories I heard, and the celebrations I witnessed, I was reminded of the ways in which God continues to work through ordinary encounters and bring people together at the right moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symposium Conference (28th July to 1st August)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Right after the WeBelieve Festival in Birmingham concluded, I returned to Walsingham and spent one night there before continuing the next stage of my journey. The brief return to Walsingham provided an opportunity to rest and prepare for the next assignment with EWTN Great Britain. Early on the morning of 28 July, our media team departed for London to cover the Symposium Conference, an annual event organised by Day with Mary. The journey marked the transition from one major Catholic gathering to another, each with its own distinctive emphasis but united by the common goal of deepening the faith of the participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Symposium Conference is an annual gathering dedicated to promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraging a deeper appreciation of her role in the life of the Church. The programme brought together bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful from different parts of the United Kingdom and beyond for several days of spiritual enrichment. Through keynote addresses, theological reflections, personal testimonies, opportunities for prayer, and Marian devotions, participants were invited to grow in their understanding of Mary’s example of discipleship and her maternal care for the Church. The conference also fostered fellowship among Catholics who shared a common desire to strengthen their faith and deepen their spiritual lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year’s Symposium Conference was held at St. Mary’s Church in West Croydon, London, a parish that provided a welcoming setting for the event. Once again, I served as a volunteer member of the EWTN Great Britain media team. My responsibilities included filming the conference sessions, recording the keynote presentations, and producing video coverage of the various activities taking place throughout the conference. In addition, I conducted interviews with many of the speakers, clergy, religious, and lay participants. These interviews offered valuable insights into the spiritual significance of the conference and allowed attendees to share how the talks, prayers, and fellowship had enriched their faith. Listening to their personal stories reminded me that every pilgrimage and every conference is not merely an event but a unique encounter with God’s grace in the lives of His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the highlights of my work during the conference was the opportunity to interview several distinguished speakers who shared their knowledge and personal experiences of Marian spirituality. Recording these conversations was particularly rewarding because they will enable those who could not attend the conference to benefit from the wisdom and encouragement offered during the event. Through EWTN Great Britain’s media ministry, these interviews and recordings will continue to reach audiences long after the conference has ended, extending the fruits of the gathering to Catholics throughout Great Britain and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among all the experiences during the conference, one of the most memorable was an unexpected reunion with a friend from Macau. Without any prior arrangement, we discovered that he and his family had travelled from Edinburgh to London specifically to attend the Symposium Conference. Neither of us had known that the other would be present, making our meeting a complete surprise. Seeing a familiar face so far from home brought great joy and reminded me of the remarkable ways in which the Catholic Church connects people from different countries and cultures through a shared faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognising this unexpected opportunity, I invited my friend to participate in an interview about his experience of the conference. As he is fluent in both English and Cantonese, I conducted the interview in both languages. This bilingual interview will allow a wider audience to appreciate his testimony and will make the conference more accessible to both English-speaking viewers and members of the Cantonese-speaking Catholic community. His reflections on the conference, his Marian devotion, and his experience of travelling with his family to participate in the event added another meaningful dimension to our media coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflecting on this reunion, I could not help but recognise God’s providence at work. Humanly speaking, the chances of unexpectedly meeting a friend from Macau at a conference in London were remarkably small. Yet, without any planning on either side, our paths crossed at precisely the right moment. For me, this encounter was a beautiful reminder that God often works quietly through ordinary circumstances, arranging meetings and opportunities that reveal His loving care and guidance. Such moments strengthen my confidence that our lives are not governed merely by coincidence but are lovingly directed by God’s providential hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking back on my time at the WeBelieve Festical and Symposium Conference, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving with EWTN Great Britain. The experience enabled me to contribute to the Church’s evangelising mission through media by documenting the conference, preserving the talks and testimonies of its participants, and helping to share these moments with a wider audience. Beyond the technical aspects of filming and interviewing, the conference was also a profound personal experience of faith. It allowed me to deepen my appreciation of Marian spirituality, renew friendships, form new connections within the Catholic community, and witness countless examples of God’s grace at work, this unforgettable journey became not only a media assignment but also a spiritual pilgrimage, reminding me that every opportunity to serve the Church is also an opportunity to encounter Christ through His people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I recently travelled to Birmingham and London as a volunteer with EWTN Great Britain, where I had the privilege of filming and conducting interviews at two significant Roman Catholic events. The first was the WeBelieve Festival, held at St Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham, from 24th to 27th July. The four-day gathering brought together Catholics from across the country for prayer, formation, fellowship, and the celebration of the faith. Following the festival, I travelled to London to take part in the Symposium Conference organised by Day with Mary, held at St Mary’s Church, Croydon, from 28th July to 1st August. The conference offered another valuable opportunity to document talks, liturgical celebrations, and the experiences of those who participated. Through my work with EWTN Great Britain, I was grateful to help share the stories, reflections, and moments of faith that took place during these events. WeBelieve Festival (24th to 27th July) The WeBelieve Festival is a four-day national Catholic gathering centred on prayer, formation, and fellowship, bringing together Catholics from across the country to deepen their faith, strengthen their sense of community, and celebrate the beauty of the Church\u2019s liturgical and spiritual traditions. The festival provided a wonderful opportunity to encounter people from many different backgrounds who share a common love for Christ and a desire to grow in faith. During the festival, I had the great honour and privilage to interviewing three archbishops — Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham, Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark, and Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff-Menevia — as well as Bishop David Waller of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham and Monsignor Keith Newton, PA, the Ordinary Emeritus of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. These conversations offered valuable insights into the life of the Church, the importance of evangelisation, and the role of the faithful in witnessing to the Gospel in today\u2019s world. I was also privileged to interview several priests, religious, and lay faithful who took part in the festival, each sharing their own experiences, reflections, and hopes for the Church. In addition to conducting interviews, I filmed various talks, discussions, and liturgical celebrations throughout the four days. Each event reflected the joy and richness of Catholic life, from moments of prayer and teaching to opportunities for fellowship and personal encounter. One of the most memorable experiences was filming the Sunday Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form and Evensong Vespers according to the Ordinariate Use, both of which were celebrated in the beautiful surroundings of the chapel of St Mary’s College. Capturing these moments was a privilege, as they revealed the depth and diversity of the Church\u2019s liturgical heritage. Beyond the work itself, one of the greatest joys of the festival was reconnecting with friends whom I had not seen for a very long time. I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet them again, especially because none of our reunions had been planned in advance. It truly felt like an act of God’s providence that we happened to cross paths once more. Our conversations, shared memories, and moments of fellowship unfolded naturally, as though God had quietly arranged our meeting. The WeBelieve Festival was not only an opportunity to document an important Catholic gathering but also a reminder of the beauty of the Church as a family united in faith. Through the people I met, the stories I heard, and the celebrations I witnessed, I was reminded of the ways in which God continues to work through ordinary encounters and bring people together at the right moment. Symposium Conference (28th July to 1st August) Right after the WeBelieve Festival in Birmingham concluded, I returned to Walsingham and spent one night there before continuing the next stage of my journey. The brief return to Walsingham provided an opportunity to rest and prepare for the next assignment with EWTN Great Britain. Early on the morning of 28 July, our media team departed for London to cover the Symposium Conference, an annual event organised by Day with Mary. The journey marked the transition from one major Catholic gathering to another, each with its own distinctive emphasis but united by the common goal of deepening the faith of the participants. The Symposium Conference is an annual gathering dedicated to promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraging a deeper appreciation of her role in the life of the Church. The programme brought together bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful from different parts of the United Kingdom and beyond for several days of spiritual enrichment. Through keynote addresses, theological reflections, personal testimonies, opportunities for prayer, and Marian devotions, participants were invited to grow in their understanding of Mary’s example of discipleship and her maternal care for the Church. The conference also fostered fellowship among Catholics who shared a common desire to strengthen their faith and deepen their spiritual lives. This year’s Symposium Conference was held at St. Mary’s Church in West Croydon, London, a parish that provided a welcoming setting for the event. Once again, I served as a volunteer member of the EWTN Great Britain media team. My responsibilities included filming the conference sessions, recording the keynote presentations, and producing video coverage of the various activities taking place throughout the conference. In addition, I conducted interviews with many of the speakers, clergy, religious, and lay participants. These interviews offered valuable insights into the spiritual significance of the conference and allowed attendees to share how the talks, prayers, and fellowship had enriched their faith. Listening to their personal stories reminded me that every pilgrimage and every conference is not merely an event but a unique encounter with God’s grace in the lives of His people. One of the highlights of my work during the conference was the opportunity to interview several distinguished speakers who shared their knowledge and personal experiences of Marian spirituality. Recording these conversations was particularly rewarding because they will enable those who could not attend the conference to benefit from the wisdom and encouragement offered during the event. Through EWTN Great Britain’s media ministry, these interviews and recordings will continue to reach audiences long after the conference has ended, extending the fruits of the gathering to Catholics throughout Great Britain and beyond. Among all the experiences during the conference, one of the most memorable was an unexpected reunion with a friend from Macau. Without any prior arrangement, we discovered that he and his family had travelled from Edinburgh to London specifically to attend the Symposium Conference. Neither of us had known that the other would be present, making our meeting a complete surprise. Seeing a familiar face so far from home brought great joy and reminded me of the remarkable ways in which the Catholic Church connects people from different countries and cultures through a shared faith. Recognising this unexpected opportunity, I invited my friend to participate in an interview about his experience of the conference. As he is fluent in both English and Cantonese, I conducted the interview in both languages. This bilingual interview will allow a wider audience to appreciate his testimony and will make the conference more accessible to both English-speaking viewers and members of the Cantonese-speaking Catholic community. His reflections on the conference, his Marian devotion, and his experience of travelling with his family to participate in the event added another meaningful dimension to our media coverage. Reflecting on this reunion, I could not help but recognise God’s providence at work. Humanly speaking, the chances of unexpectedly meeting a friend from Macau at a conference in London were remarkably small. Yet, without any planning on either side, our paths crossed at precisely the right moment. For me, this encounter was a beautiful reminder that God often works quietly through ordinary circumstances, arranging meetings and opportunities that reveal His loving care and guidance. Such moments strengthen my confidence that our lives are not governed merely by coincidence but are lovingly directed by God’s providential hand. Looking back on my time at the WeBelieve Festical and Symposium Conference, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving with EWTN Great Britain. The experience enabled me to contribute to the Church’s evangelising mission through media by documenting the conference, preserving the talks and testimonies of its participants, and helping to share these moments with a wider audience. Beyond the technical aspects of filming and interviewing, the conference was also a profound personal experience of faith. It allowed me to deepen my appreciation of Marian spirituality, renew friendships, form new connections within the Catholic community, and witness countless examples of God’s grace at work, this unforgettable journey became not only a media assignment but also a spiritual pilgrimage, reminding me that every opportunity to serve the Church is also an opportunity to encounter Christ through His people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17,21],"tags":[51,49,11,12,50,48,47],"class_list":["post-640","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal","category-reflections-and-musings","tag-birmingham","tag-day-with-mary","tag-ewtn","tag-ewtn-great-britain","tag-london","tag-symposium-conference","tag-webelieve-festival"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChavezPoon-768x574-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=640"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/640\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":676,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/640\/revisions\/676"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=640"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chavezpoon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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